Top Gobies Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Gobies, a diverse family of small, bottom-dwelling fish found in both marine and freshwater environments, are harvested in significant quantities in various regions, though they are often grouped under "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) categories in global fisheries statistics due to the vast number of species and their localized importance. Gobies are especially prominent in the fisheries of East and Southeast Asia, with countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines leading in their capture. These nations utilize gobies both for local consumption—where they are valued for their delicate flavor and used in traditional dishes—and for export, often as dried or salted products. The goby fishing industry is typically small-scale and artisanal, relying on traps, nets, and hand-gathering in estuaries, mangroves, and shallow coastal waters. While not as globally recognized as larger commercial species, gobies play a crucial role in the livelihoods and food security of many coastal communities in these top-producing countries.

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