Top Anomuran Decapods Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Anomuran decapods, a diverse group of crustaceans that includes species such as squat lobsters, porcelain crabs, and king crabs, are valued for their culinary appeal and economic importance in global fisheries. Among these, king crabs (Paralithodes spp.) are the most commercially significant, especially in cold northern waters. The leading countries harvesting anomuran decapods not elsewhere included (NEI) are Russia, the United States (particularly Alaska), Norway, and Japan. Russia dominates the king crab fishery in the Barents and Bering Seas, while the U.S. harvests significant quantities in the waters off Alaska. Norway also maintains a growing king crab fishery along its northern coast, and Japan targets various anomuran species in its waters. The fishing industry for these crustaceans is highly regulated due to their high market value and vulnerability to overfishing, with strict quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability.

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