The sprat population in the English Channel is healthy and fishing pressure is within sustainable limits. There is no management plan but catches are within scientifically recommended limits. Most catches are by mid-water trawlers, with low or no bycatch and no impact on the seabed.Rating last updated May 2024.

Sprat in the Celtic Seas is data limited. There is concern for the level of fishing pressure but no concern for biomass. Few appropriate management measures are in place. Catches have exceeded advice since 2013. Sprat in this area are caught by mid-water trawling. This method generally has low bycatch and few habitat impacts.Rating last updated September 2024.

For Sprat in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat there is no concern for the biomass, but there is concern for the fishing pressure. Some management measures are in place for sprat in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat. However, there is no management or recovery plan and the stock is below safe levels. Pelagic trawlers target sprat with very little to no bycatch of other species or impact on the seabed.Rating last updated July 2025.

This Baltic Sea sprat stock is in a healthy state, but fishing pressure is too high. There are management measures in place for this fishery which are partly effective. Most of the catch is taken by pelagic trawlers. Pelagic trawlers are well-targeted and have few habitat impacts, however, there is concern around the bycatch of herring.Rating last updated July 2025.