Top Craylets, Squat Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Top Craylets and Squat Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included (NEI) refer to a group of small, lobster-like crustaceans found in marine environments worldwide, particularly in deep-sea habitats. These species, which include various genera such as Munida and Galathea, are valued for their delicate, sweet meat and are increasingly targeted by commercial fisheries as traditional stocks of larger crustaceans decline. The leading fishing countries for squat lobsters and craylets NEI include Chile, New Zealand, Spain, and Norway. Chile is particularly notable, with a well-developed fishery targeting the red squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon), which is processed into frozen and canned products for both domestic consumption and export. New Zealand also harvests species like Munida gregaria, primarily as bycatch but with growing commercial interest. Spain and Norway participate in smaller-scale fisheries, often supplying European markets. The industry is characterized by specialized trawl fisheries, and while global landings are modest compared to larger crustaceans, the economic value of squat lobsters is rising as demand for alternative seafood sources grows.

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