European pilchard

European Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is overfished in some areas whilst they are not fully exploited in other areas. The most recent data shows increasing catching trends. Although there are several improvements regarding stock, limited data leaves this fishery under risk of uncertainty.

European Sardine are caught by purse seine nets which are set around a school of fish in the surface to mid-water. Once the school is surrounded, the bottom of the net is closed by a footrope. Discard rates in this fishery are low and the impact on endangered, threatened, or protected species is unlikely. Although bycatch of non-target species is low, there is some high interaction with the common dolphin in other areas. Catches of juvenile sardine are also considered to be low Purse seines used properly do not pose any impact on benthic habitats or surrounding ecosystem.

European Sardine are distributed in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the Atlantic, sardine extends along the continental shelf from the Celtic Sea and the North Sea to Senegal, with residual populations off the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Sardines are also found in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. Two stocks are considered in EU Atlantic waters: Northern stock (ICES Subareas VII and VIII.a,b,d) and Southern stock (ICES Subarea VIII c and Division IX.a). In both regions the stock is managed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union.

European pilchards are fished around the coastline of Morocco ( FAO 34) extending towards the Mediterranean Sea and imported into South Africa. Management is unknown as no definitive management plan has been defined for the whole fishing region (subdivided into three areas namely A, B, and C). There are indications that at least one of the fishing areas (Area C) has a management plan, which includes the use of a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limitation although the effectiveness of the plan remains unknown.

European Sardine are caught in Morocco ( FAO 27), Mauritiana ( FAO 37) and Portugal ( FAO 27 –ICES IXa, ICES VIIIc ). Management is considered effective. An ecosystem-based approach of management is in the state of implementation

European Sardine are caught in Spain (FAO 27 ) (ICES subareas VIIIa, ICES VIIIb, ICES VIIId). Management is considered effective. Still, there are some open issues such as common dolphin bycatch.