Cartilaginous fishes, primarily comprising sharks, rays, and skates, are harvested globally, but certain countries stand out for their significant catches of species not otherwise classified in more specific trade categories. These "not elsewhere included" (nei) cartilaginous fishes are often a mix of lesser-known or non-target species grouped together in fisheries statistics. Major fishing nations such as Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Spain are among the top harvesters of these species, often catching them as bycatch in trawl, gillnet, and longline fisheries targeting other fish. The industry is driven by demand for meat, fins, cartilage, and other products, with much of the catch exported to Asian markets. However, the lack of species-specific data and often limited management measures raise concerns about overfishing and the sustainability of these populations, as many cartilaginous fishes are slow-growing and vulnerable to exploitation.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.