Top Ornate Spiny Lobster Fishing Countries

The ornate spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus) is a strikingly colorful crustacean found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its vivid blue, green, and orange markings and long, spiny antennae. Unlike true lobsters, it lacks large claws and is highly prized for its tender, flavorful meat, making it a valuable seafood commodity. The top countries engaged in the fishing and aquaculture of ornate spiny lobster include Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Indonesia and Vietnam are particularly notable for their extensive wild capture and rapidly growing aquaculture industries, often using juvenile lobsters caught in the wild and grown to market size in sea cages. Australia, with its well-managed fisheries, is a major exporter, especially to Asian markets. The ornate spiny lobster industry supports local economies but also faces challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and the need for sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term viability of this lucrative species.

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