Northern Anchovy

Landings | Management and Regulations | Projects and Publications

Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) are small, short-lived pelagic fish found across the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are active filter feeders, and consume various types of plankton. Ecologically, anchovies play an important role as common prey for many species of birds, mammals, and fish. Historically in California, anchovy supplied a large reduction fishery, which produced fish meal, oil, and soluble protein. They are currently utilized for human consumption, bait, and pet food. Large-scale anchovy landings were first seen in the early 1900s during times of low sardine availability. Commercial landings have been low since the 1980s due to market constraints rather than biological factors. Northern anchovy are monitored under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan.

Landings

• Coastal Pelagic Species Landings
• CDFW Annual Landings

Management and Regulations

• CDFW Commercial Fishing Information
• CDFW Recreational Fishing Regulations
• Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan
  Links to Pacific Fishery Management Council website
• Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team
  Links to Pacific Fishery Management Council website
  • CPS/HMS Project Staff Profiles

Projects and Publications

• CPS Stock Assessments
  Links to Pacific Fishery Management Council website
• California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigation (CalCOFI)
  Links to CalCOFI website
• California's Status of the Fisheries Reports
• Fisheries Forum Reports