Top Estuarine Crocodile Fishing Countries

The estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also known as the saltwater crocodile, is the largest living reptile and apex predator found in brackish and coastal waters across Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the eastern coast of India. While not a traditional "fish," the estuarine crocodile has been historically harvested for its valuable skin and meat, rather than for recreational or commercial fishing in the conventional sense. The top countries involved in the regulated harvesting and farming of estuarine crocodiles include Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia. In Australia and Papua New Guinea, sustainable crocodile ranching and farming industries have developed, with strict regulations to protect wild populations while supporting local economies through the export of crocodile leather and meat. Indonesia and Malaysia also have established crocodile farms, primarily for skin production. International trade is tightly controlled under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), ensuring that wild populations are not threatened by overexploitation.

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