Pacific Sardine
Pacific Sardine
Sardinops sagax caerulea
Quick Facts
Pacific sardine. Credit: iStock
Pacific sardine. Credit: iStock
About the Species
Commercial fishing for Pacific sardines is prohibited because the population is estimated to be below a precautionary level set by managers.
Population
The stock is not overfished but still rebuilding, and the fishing rate established under a rebuilding plan promotes population growth.
Fishing Rate
The fishery is closed, but the stock is not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impact
The gear used to catch Pacific sardines is used at the surface and has little impact on habitat.
Bycatch
Bycatch is low because gear used is selective.
Population Status
- According to the 2024 stock assessment, Pacific sardine is not overfished but still rebuilding, and is not subject to overfishing based on 2023 catch data. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART.
- The population size varies naturally, which can lead to large fluctuations (boom-bust cycles) in abundance and catch.
- A precautionary measure is built into sardine management to stop directed fishing when the population falls below 150,000 metric tons. The latest population estimate is below that level, and managers have closed the fishery.
Appearance
- Pacific sardines are small.
- They are blue-green on the back and have white flanks with one to three sets of dark spots along the middle.
Biology
- Pacific sardines are fast growing and can grow to more than 12 inches long.
- They can live up to 13 years, but usually not past 5.
- They reproduce at age 1 or 2, depending on conditions.
- Pacific sardines spawn multiple times per season.
- Females release eggs that are fertilized externally and hatch in about 3 days.
- Pacific sardines feed on plankton (tiny floating plants and animals).
- They are prey for many fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Where They Live
Range
- Southeastern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitat
- Pacific sardines live in the water column in nearshore and offshore areas along the coast.
- They are sometimes found in estuaries.
- They form large, dense schools near the ocean surface.
- Pacific sardines move seasonally along the coast.
- Older adults may move from spawning grounds in southern California and northern Baja California to feeding/spawning grounds off the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
- Younger adults appear to migrate to feeding grounds primarily in central and northern California.
Fishery Management
- NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific sardine fishery.
- Managed under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan:
- Catch limits are in place to prevent overfishing.
- Catch limit is allocated among three fishing seasons throughout the year.
- Permits are needed to harvest Pacific sardines.
- Gear restrictions are in place to reduce bycatch.
- Catch is monitored through logbooks and observers.
- A rebuilding plan to rebuild the stock to the target population level is in place with a target date of 2035.
Harvest
- The fishery was closed in 2015, and has not reopened.
- In 2014, more than 23,000 metric tons were harvested and were valued at $8.85 million.
- Round haul nets are used to catch Pacific sardines.
- Habitat and bycatch impacts are minimal because the gear is used at the surface around dense schools of fish, which usually contain only one species.
Scientific Classification
- Southeastern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
- Pacific sardines live in the water column in nearshore and offshore areas along the coast.
- They are sometimes found in estuaries.
- They form large, dense schools near the ocean surface.
- Pacific sardines move seasonally along the coast.
- Older adults may move from spawning grounds in southern California and northern Baja California to feeding/spawning grounds off the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
- Younger adults appear to migrate to feeding grounds primarily in central and northern California.
Fishery Management
- NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific sardine fishery.
- Managed under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan:
- Catch limits are in place to prevent overfishing.
- Catch limit is allocated among three fishing seasons throughout the year.
- Permits are needed to harvest Pacific sardines.
- Gear restrictions are in place to reduce bycatch.
- Catch is monitored through logbooks and observers.
- A rebuilding plan to rebuild the stock to the target population level is in place with a target date of 2035.
Harvest
- The fishery was closed in 2015, and has not reopened.
- In 2014, more than 23,000 metric tons were harvested and were valued at $8.85 million.
- Round haul nets are used to catch Pacific sardines.
- Habitat and bycatch impacts are minimal because the gear is used at the surface around dense schools of fish, which usually contain only one species.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Clupeiformes | Family | Clupeidae | Genus | Sardinops | Species | sagax caerulea |
|---|
Featured News
Sardine collected on the 2023 Coastal Pelagic Species Survey. Pacific and Japanese sardine look so similar that they can only be distinguished by genetics. Genomic analysis later revealed that the catch contained both species. Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Kelsey James
Juvenile coho salmon. Credit: iStock
NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker, a fisheries survey vessel, departed San Diego in early July to assess coastal pelagic species such as sardine and anchovy. Credit: Paul Hillman/NOAA Fisheries
Related Species
Seafood Facts
Are Pacific Sardines Sustainable?
Commercial fishing for Pacific sardines is prohibited because the population is estimated to be below a precautionary level set by managers.
Availability
Usually year-round, but currently unavailable because the fishery is closed.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from Washington to California.
Taste
When fresh, small sardines have a delicate flavor. Larger sardines have a fuller, oilier flavor, similar to anchovies but milder. If buying fresh, look for sardines with bright eyes, shiny skin, and a mildly fishy aroma. Plan to cook them within a day of purchase.
Texture
Firm when canned; soft when fresh.
Color
Pale red to off-white.
Health Benefits
Sardines are a very good source of selenium and vitamin B12 and a good source of calcium, niacin, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g; Calories: 217; Protein: 24.58 g; Total Fat: 12.37 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 2.791 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Cholesterol: 82 mg; Selenium: 52.6 mcg; Sodium: 918 mgSeafood News
A signboard thanking patrons at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market in San Diego. Credit: Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Brianna Shaughnessy
An oyster reef with lush greenery in the background. Credit: Adobe Stock