Top Puffers Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Puffers, commonly known as pufferfish or blowfish, belong to the family Tetraodontidae and are notable for their ability to inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism and for containing potent toxins such as tetrodotoxin. While Japan is famously associated with the consumption and regulated fishing of pufferfish (fugu), several other countries are significant harvesters of puffers, often grouped under "not elsewhere included" (nei) categories in global fisheries statistics. These include China, South Korea, and Thailand, where puffers are caught both for local consumption and export, sometimes processed into dried or salted products. In these countries, the pufferfish fishing industry is a mix of artisanal and commercial operations, with careful handling due to the risks associated with the fish's toxicity. The demand for pufferfish continues to drive targeted fisheries, especially in East and Southeast Asia, while international regulations and local expertise help manage the risks associated with their capture and consumption.

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