The most recent stock assessment indicates no concern for biomass and no concern for fishing pressure for sardine in northwest Africa, zone C. There are some measures in place, which appear to be partly effective in managing the stock. Sardine in this area are caught in purse seine nets and pelagic trawls. Both gears are considered to have very low potential effects on the habitat and on protected species.Rating last updated January 2023.

Sardine in the Southern Celtics Seas and the English Channel is abundant and there is no concern for fishing pressure. Sardine in the uncertified fishery in this area is poorly managed and requires considerable improvement. The fishing method used is primarily purse seiners and pelagic trawlers. These methods of fishing are unlikely to cause habitat impacts and bycatch is low.Rating last updated December 2025.

Sardine in the Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters is abundant, however fishing pressure is above target levels. There is partially effective management in place, however catches have exceeded advice in recent years. Sardine in the area is caught by purse seine, this method of fishing is unlikely to cause habitat impacts and bycatch is low.Rating last updated August 2025.

The most recent stock assessment indicates no concern for biomass and no concern for fishing pressure for sardine in northwest Africa, Zones A + B. There are some measures in place, which are partly effective in managing the stock. Sardine in this area are caught in purse seine nets and pelagic trawls. Both gears are considered to have very low potential effects on the habitat and on protected species.Rating last updated in January 2023.

Sardines in the Bay of Biscay are overfished but are not subject to overfishing. The fishery is poorly managed and requires considerable improvement. In recent years, fishing levels have been too high and management measures have not protected population levels. Most sardine in the area are caught by purse seine, this method of fishing is unlikely to cause habitat impacts and bycatch is low.Rating last updated August 2025.

Sardines in the Bay of Biscay are overfished but are not subject to overfishing. The fishery is poorly managed and requires considerable improvement. In recent years, fishing levels have been too high and management measures have not protected population levels. Some sardine is caught by pelagic trawls, although bycatch is low there are concerns about the high mortality of dolphins by some fishing methods in the area, including pelagic trawls.Rating last updated August 2025.

For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/cornish-sardine.php