Small pelagic fish make up the second most engaged species group in the MSC program. There were more than 3 million metric tonnes certified in 2024, representing 12% of global small pelagic catch.
These fish play a vital role in our ocean’s ecosystems, serving as a key food source for other marine life. They also provide critical nutrition for human diets, and their mix of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids makes them a valuable source for aquafeed and supplements.
Our Yearbook provides analysis of the global market for these species and outlines the challenges they currently face, such as the impacts of climate change and disagreements over quotas. It highlights some exemplary case studies of MSC certified small pelagic fisheries, and the role of sustainability certification in supporting positive outcomes for people and planet.
Download the Yearbook
Regional Market Analysis 2025
Market-specific small pelagics reports are available for the regions listed below:
