The Brown Sea Catfish (Netuma barba), also known as the marine catfish, is a coastal species found in the brackish and marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific, particularly along the shores of South and Southeast Asia. Recognized for its elongated body, whisker-like barbels, and adaptability to estuarine environments, this catfish is an important resource for small-scale and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting Brown Sea Catfish are India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand, where the species is caught using gillnets, trawl nets, and traditional handlines. In these nations, Brown Sea Catfish is valued for its mild-flavored flesh and is sold fresh, dried, or salted in local markets. The fishing industry for this species supports coastal communities, although it is generally not a major export commodity. Sustainable management is increasingly important as fishing pressure and habitat degradation threaten local stocks in some regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 215 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.