Top Crest Tail Catsharks Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Top Crest Tail Catsharks, grouped under "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in international fisheries statistics, refer to several small, deepwater catshark species in the family Scyliorhinidae that are not individually identified in catch records. These catsharks are typically found on continental slopes and are characterized by elongated bodies, a prominent dorsal crest along the tail, and a generally small size. The fishing industry targeting these species is relatively limited and often incidental, as they are frequently caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries rather than being the primary target. Major countries reporting catches of NEI Top Crest Tail Catsharks include Spain, Portugal, and New Zealand, where deepwater fisheries operate. The harvested catsharks are usually processed for fishmeal, animal feed, or, less commonly, for human consumption in local markets. Due to their deepwater habitat and slow reproductive rates, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of these fisheries, prompting some management and monitoring efforts in recent years.

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