Top Groundfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top Groundfishes Not Elsewhere Included" is a category used by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to group various demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish species that do not fall under more specific classifications. These groundfishes often include species such as grenadiers, cusk-eels, and other less commercially prominent bottom fish. The fishing industry for these species is typically characterized by deep-sea trawling and longlining, often as part of multi-species fisheries. Major harvesting countries include China, Russia, Norway, and Iceland, where large fleets target these fish in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and adjacent seas. These fisheries play a supplementary role to more prominent groundfish species like cod and haddock, providing additional revenue and protein sources, especially in regions with well-developed seafood processing industries. However, due to the often limited biological data and the mixed nature of catches, management of these fisheries can be challenging, raising concerns about sustainability and bycatch.

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