British Columbia Pacific Sardine for the World since 1917

The Pacific sardine fishery has been in British Columbia since 1917, initially for export to Europe. Currently, most Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) is exported for the Japanese food product market and worldwide as fishing fleet bait.

A member of the herring family, "sardine" is often the name given to young herring. A small pelagic fish with an iridescent, silvery body, a single dorsal fin, and linear bony ridges on the gill cover, Pacific sardine can grow to 35.5 cm (14 inches) and weigh up to 500 grams (1 pound) although harvested sardine weigh an average of 150 grams (0.25 pounds) and are 23 centimeters (9 inches) long.

Available whole, as filets, or canned, Pacific sardine is pink-fleshed and high in omega-3 with a fine, soft texture and a strong, heavy flavour when cooked. Sardine is great for grilling, broiling, sautéing, as an ingredient in dips, sauces, salads, and soups, or pickled, salted and smoked.

Contact Lions Gate Fisheries in Delta to request a quote for wholesale sardine for your retail outlet or food service.