Top River Eels Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

River eels, often categorized under "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics, refer to various species of freshwater eels primarily from the family Anguillidae, including the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). These elongated, migratory fish are prized for their rich, flavorful flesh and are a staple in many culinary traditions, especially in East Asia and Europe. The leading countries involved in the capture and aquaculture of river eels include China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in Asia, as well as several European nations such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Italy. China is the dominant producer, both from wild capture and intensive aquaculture, while Japan is renowned for its eel-based cuisine, driving high domestic demand. European countries focus on the European eel, though wild stocks have sharply declined due to overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration, leading to strict regulations and conservation efforts. Despite challenges, river eel fisheries and aquaculture remain economically significant in these regions, supporting both local consumption and international trade, particularly for high-value markets.

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