Scorpionfishes and redfishes not elsewhere included (NEI) refer to a diverse group of marine species within the family Scorpaenidae, known for their venomous spines and often vibrant coloration. These bottom-dwelling fish are primarily found in temperate and tropical waters, and include commercially important species such as the redfish (Sebastes spp.) and ocean perch. The leading fishing countries for scorpionfishes and redfishes NEI are typically those bordering the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, with Russia, Norway, Iceland, and the United States being major harvesters, especially in the Barents Sea, North Atlantic, and Bering Sea regions. These countries operate large-scale trawl and longline fisheries, with the catch predominantly used for human consumption, both fresh and processed. The industry is subject to strict management due to the slow growth and late maturity of many redfish species, making them vulnerable to overfishing.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Canada | 18,422 |
2 | United States of America | 15,010 |
3 | Nigeria | 7,688 |
4 | Republic of Korea | 3,259 |
5 | Japan | 1,200 |
6 | Tunisia | 785 |
7 | Senegal | 590 |
8 | Morocco | 579 |
9 | Greece | 423 |
10 | Libya | 260 |
11 | Türkiye | 127 |
12 | Algeria | 90 |
13 | New Zealand | 33 |
13 | Congo | 33 |
15 | Chile | 25 |
16 | South Africa | 20 |
16 | Syrian Arab Republic | 20 |
18 | Guinea-Bissau | 15 |
19 | Mauritania | 10 |
20 | Russian Federation | 9 |
21 | Spain | 7 |
22 | Montenegro | 5 |
22 | Côte d'Ivoire | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.