Top Finfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top Finfishes Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) is a category used by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to group together various finfish species that are not individually identified in global fisheries statistics, often due to insufficient reporting or the mixed nature of catches. This category includes a diverse range of species, such as mullets, croakers, drums, and other regionally important but less globally recognized finfishes. Major fishing countries for NEI finfishes include China, India, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian nations, where small-scale, artisanal, and multi-species fisheries are common. These countries harvest NEI finfishes from both marine and inland waters, often using traditional gear and methods. The NEI category reflects the complexity and biodiversity of fisheries in these regions, where local consumption, fish markets, and subsistence fishing play a significant role in food security and livelihoods. The lack of species-specific data highlights the need for improved fisheries monitoring and management to ensure the sustainability of these vital but often overlooked resources.

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