Sardine production in Mexico saw a 21% increase in 2023, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, making it the country’s largest-scale fishery.
Of the 771,015-tonne catch in 2023, around half of this, 390,951 tonnes, was landed in Sonora, with Baja California, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur accounting almost all of the remaining catch volume. The sardine catch landed in Sonora has increased by more than 50% compared to 2022.
Sardine is one of the most widely consumed fish in Mexico, with a 4.5kg per capita consumption, exceeding consumption of other popular species such as tuna, shrimp, mojarra and octopus.
Despite the 21% increase in landing volume, the value of the catch is out at just 4% above the 2022 figure.
The Ministry stated that sardine has become an increasingly in-demand product, partly due to its affordability. In addition, the level of production means that sardine is available year round, although the April-June period and November see the largest landings.
Although canned fish for human consumption is the best-known sardine product on the domestic market in Mexico, it is also used to produce fishmeal for the poultry and livestock industries.
