Top Righteye Flounders Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Top righteye flounders, not elsewhere included (NEI), refer to a group of flatfish within the family Pleuronectidae that are not classified under more specific commercial categories. These demersal fish are characterized by both eyes being on the right side of their body and inhabit cold to temperate waters on sandy or muddy sea bottoms. Major fishing nations for NEI righteye flounders include the United States, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, with significant catches coming from the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. The industry primarily targets these species for human consumption, with the fish being valued for their mild flavor and flaky texture. The fisheries are often a mix of targeted and bycatch operations, and management practices vary by country, with some implementing quotas and seasonal closures to maintain sustainability.

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