Top Sea Catfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sea catfishes, classified under the family Ariidae, are a diverse group of coastal and estuarine fish found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. Known for their distinctive whisker-like barbels, these catfishes are important both ecologically and commercially. The category "Top Sea Catfishes Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics refers to sea catfish species that are not individually identified in catch records but are harvested in significant quantities. Major fishing countries for these NEI sea catfishes include India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, where they are caught using a variety of gear such as trawl nets and gillnets. These nations rely on sea catfishes for local consumption, as well as for regional trade, with the fish often processed into fresh, dried, or salted products. The industry supports coastal communities but faces challenges such as overfishing and habitat degradation, prompting some countries to implement management measures to sustain their catfish stocks.

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