Top Kingcroakers Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Kingcroakers, often grouped under the family Sciaenidae, are a type of drum fish found in coastal and estuarine waters, prized for their firm flesh and commercial value. The term "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) refers to kingcroaker species that are not specifically identified in catch statistics but are harvested collectively. Major fishing countries for NEI kingcroakers include China, India, Indonesia, and several West African nations such as Nigeria and Ghana. These countries operate both artisanal and industrial fisheries, with kingcroakers being caught using trawls, gillnets, and traditional gear. The fish are important for local consumption and export, particularly in dried or salted forms. The kingcroaker industry supports coastal economies and provides livelihoods for thousands, though overfishing and habitat degradation are ongoing concerns in many regions.

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