BIOLOGY
Pacific pilchard can grow up to a length of about 40 cm and reach an age of 25 years. It is found down to depths of 200 m and generally in large schools. It reaches maturity after 1 year. Spawning occurs year round off the coast of Australia and from September to March in Peru.
ADVICE
Fisheries management plans are in place for the Pacific pilchard whose populations naturally fluctuate.Although purse seines nets have often been linked to high level of by-catch, mitigation measures are in place to release non-target species alive.
