Top Mackerels Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The "Mackerels, not elsewhere included" (often abbreviated as "NEI mackerels") refer to a group of mackerel species that are not classified under the more commonly known types such as Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) or chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus). These NEI mackerels are typically small to medium-sized, fast-swimming pelagic fish found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, valued for their oily flesh and importance in both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The leading countries harvesting NEI mackerels include Indonesia, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, where these fish are caught primarily using purse seines, gillnets, and trawls. The industry is significant in these nations due to the species' abundance and role as a staple protein source, supporting local economies and export markets. Sustainable management remains a challenge, as these fisheries are often multi-species and data on individual mackerel stocks can be limited, but they continue to play a vital role in the food security and livelihoods of millions in Asia and beyond.

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