Top Lanternfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Lanternfishes, belonging to the family Myctophidae, are small, bioluminescent deep-sea fishes that play a crucial role in marine food webs and are found in oceans worldwide. While not widely targeted by major commercial fisheries, some countries have developed specialized fisheries for lanternfishes, particularly for use as fishmeal and animal feed. The term "Top Lanternfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries" generally refers to nations with significant but less globally recognized harvests of lanternfish, outside the primary producers like Japan and Russia. Countries such as Norway, Chile, and New Zealand have engaged in exploratory or small-scale commercial fishing of lanternfishes, especially species like *Electrona antarctica* and *Myctophum asperum*, often in the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic waters. These fisheries are typically characterized by their experimental nature, fluctuating catch volumes, and ongoing research into the sustainability and economic viability of harvesting these abundant but ecologically sensitive deep-sea species.

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