Top Flatfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Flatfishes are a diverse group of bottom-dwelling fish known for their unique asymmetrical bodies, including well-known species such as flounders, soles, and turbots. The term "Flatfishes Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) refers to flatfish species that are not classified under specific commercial names in global fisheries statistics. These NEI flatfishes are harvested primarily by countries with extensive continental shelves and active demersal fisheries. The top fishing countries for these species include China, South Korea, the United States, and Russia. These nations utilize trawl and gillnet fisheries to target a variety of flatfish species, supplying both domestic and international markets. Flatfish NEI catches contribute significantly to the economies of these countries, supporting both large-scale commercial operations and small-scale coastal fisheries, with the bulk of the harvest used for human consumption and, to a lesser extent, fishmeal production.

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