The “Top Dories Not Elsewhere Included” category refers to a group of demersal fish species within the family Zeidae and related families, commonly known as dories, which are not classified under more specific trade names like John Dory (Zeus faber). These fish are characterized by their deep, laterally compressed bodies and are typically found in temperate and subtropical waters on continental shelves and slopes. Dories are valued for their mild, white flesh and are primarily caught using trawling methods. The leading countries harvesting these “not elsewhere included” dories are China, New Zealand, and Portugal, with China dominating global landings due to its extensive trawl fisheries in the western Pacific. New Zealand also plays a significant role, targeting dory species as part of its mixed-species deepwater fisheries. These countries export dory products both fresh and frozen, catering to international markets where the mild flavor and versatile fillets are in demand. The fishing industry for these species is subject to management measures to ensure sustainability, as some dory populations can be vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.