Sprattus fuegensis, Fuegian Sprat

Abstract

This coastal, pelagic species is widely distributed in the southwestern Atlantic and southeastern Pacific. It is short-lived and has an estimated generation length of 3-4 years. It is targeted by commercial, artisanal fisheries in the northern part of its range in Chile. Total biomass has declined by about 40% over the past three generation lengths, or since 2006, in the Lakes Region of Chile, and that stock is considered overfished. However, it is not targeted elsewhere in its range at this time, including in the area that contains the largest proportion of its global population. Fishing activity is not expected to be driving global-level declines approaching a Near Threatened or threatened level at this time; therefore, it is listed as Least Concern. However, fishing effort may expand further south where it remains abundant, and this is a concern.