Top Eels, Morays, Congers Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Eels, morays, and congers—grouped as "not elsewhere included" (nei) in fisheries statistics—comprise a diverse set of elongated, predatory fish found in both marine and freshwater environments worldwide. These species are highly valued for their flesh, especially in East Asian cuisine, and are harvested both for local consumption and export. The top fishing countries for these species include China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, with China leading global catches by a significant margin. European countries such as Italy and Spain also have notable eel fisheries, particularly for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The fishing industry for these species ranges from traditional small-scale methods, such as traps and nets in rivers and coastal areas, to large-scale commercial operations. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, some eel populations, especially the European and Japanese eels, have declined sharply, prompting increased regulation and aquaculture efforts to meet demand and support conservation.

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