Top Anglerfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Anglerfishes, particularly those categorized under "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics, refer to a diverse group of deep-sea fish known for their bioluminescent lure used to attract prey in the dark ocean depths. These species, primarily from the family Lophiidae (goosefishes or monkfishes), are valued for their firm, white flesh and are often marketed as monkfish or "poor man's lobster." The leading countries involved in the commercial harvest of NEI anglerfishes include Spain, Portugal, France, and South Korea, with significant fisheries operating in the Northeast Atlantic and Northwest Pacific. These nations employ bottom trawling and gillnetting techniques to target anglerfish, which are highly prized in European and Asian seafood markets. Management of anglerfish stocks is crucial, as their slow growth and late maturity make them vulnerable to overfishing, prompting international efforts to monitor and regulate catches within exclusive economic zones and through regional fisheries management organizations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.