Top Octopuses, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Octopuses, etc. not elsewhere included" is a fisheries category used by the FAO to group octopuses and similar cephalopods that are not classified under other specific categories. Octopuses are soft-bodied, eight-armed mollusks prized for their tender, flavorful meat, especially in Mediterranean and East Asian cuisines. The global octopus fishing industry is dominated by countries with rich coastal waters and long traditions of cephalopod harvesting. The top octopus-producing nations are China, Morocco, Mauritania, and Japan. China leads the world in octopus landings, largely due to its vast fishing fleet and high domestic demand. Morocco and Mauritania are major suppliers to the European Union, particularly Spain and Italy, where octopus is a culinary staple. Japan is both a significant harvester and consumer, with octopus featured in dishes like takoyaki and sushi. These countries rely on a mix of artisanal and industrial fishing methods, and sustainable management is increasingly important due to concerns over overfishing and habitat degradation.

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