Top Aquatic Invertebrates Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top Aquatic Invertebrates Not Elsewhere Included" is a catch-all category used in global fisheries statistics to encompass a diverse array of aquatic invertebrates that do not fall into more specific groups like shrimp, squid, or crabs. This category typically includes species such as sea cucumbers, sea urchins, jellyfish, and various types of marine worms and bivalves. These invertebrates are highly valued in many Asian cuisines and traditional medicines, with China being the dominant harvester and consumer, particularly of sea cucumbers and jellyfish. Other significant fishing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which also export these products to international markets. The industry is characterized by both wild capture and increasingly, aquaculture, as demand rises and wild stocks face pressure from overfishing. The trade in these invertebrates is often lucrative but can be poorly regulated, leading to concerns about sustainability and the health of marine ecosystems.

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