Top Sharks, Rays, Skates, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sharks, rays, skates, and related species (often grouped under "Elasmobranchii") are harvested worldwide for their meat, fins, cartilage, and other products, with some species not classified under more specific commercial categories being grouped as "not elsewhere included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics. These cartilaginous fishes are ecologically important apex and mesopredators, but many face population declines due to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. The top fishing countries for NEI sharks, rays, and skates include Indonesia, India, Spain, Taiwan, and Pakistan, all of which have significant fleets targeting these species both for domestic consumption and international trade, particularly for shark fins in Asian markets. Indonesia consistently ranks as the largest harvester, with artisanal and industrial fisheries operating in its vast archipelagic waters. Spain leads among European nations, primarily through its longline fleets operating in the Atlantic and beyond. These fisheries are often characterized by limited species-specific reporting, complicating management and conservation efforts for vulnerable and slow-growing elasmobranch populations.

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