"Hooked squids not elsewhere included" refer to various species of squid that are typically caught using hooks and lines, rather than nets, and are not classified under more specific squid categories in international fisheries data. These squids are prized for their tender flesh and are important both for direct human consumption and as bait in other fisheries. The leading countries in harvesting these squids include Japan, South Korea, China, and Spain, all of which have long-standing traditions and advanced fleets for squid fishing. Japan and South Korea, in particular, have developed specialized jigging techniques and vessels for targeting these species, while China has rapidly expanded its distant-water squid fishing operations in recent decades. Spain is notable for its squid fisheries in the Atlantic, especially around the Canary Islands and off the coast of northwest Africa. The industry is characterized by seasonal migrations of squid, requiring fishers to follow the stocks across vast ocean areas, and plays a significant economic and cultural role in these countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 119 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.