Top Mullets Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Mullets, particularly those classified as "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics, refer to various species within the Mugilidae family that are not specifically identified at the species level in catch reports. These fish are typically found in coastal and estuarine waters worldwide and are prized for their adaptability, feeding on detritus and algae, and their firm, flavorful flesh. The top countries harvesting NEI mullets include Egypt, Indonesia, India, and Myanmar, where these fish play a significant role in both artisanal and commercial fisheries. In Egypt, mullet fishing is especially important in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coastal lagoons, supporting local economies and diets. Indonesia and India also have robust mullet fisheries, with catches coming from both wild stocks and aquaculture operations. The global mullet industry provides employment, supports food security, and supplies both fresh and processed products, such as salted roe (bottarga), to international markets.

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