Top Jellyfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Jellyfish, belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, are gelatinous marine animals that have become an increasingly important fishery resource, particularly in parts of Asia. The term "Jellyfishes Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) refers to various jellyfish species that are not specifically identified in fisheries statistics but are harvested for food, traditional medicine, and other uses. The top countries engaged in jellyfish fishing include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where jellyfish are processed and exported, mainly to East Asian markets. China is by far the largest harvester, with extensive coastal fisheries targeting species such as *Rhopilema esculentum*. The industry provides income for coastal communities and is often seasonal, with catches peaking during jellyfish blooms. Jellyfish products are typically salted, dried, or processed for export, with demand driven by culinary traditions in China, Japan, and Korea. In recent years, as jellyfish populations have increased in some regions due to overfishing of their predators and changing ocean conditions, the jellyfish fishery has become more prominent and is being explored by additional countries seeking alternative marine resources.

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