Top Shortfin Squids Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Shortfin squids, a group within the family Loliginidae, are fast-growing, short-lived cephalopods found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They are highly valued for their tender flesh and are a staple in both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The term "Shortfin squids not elsewhere included" generally refers to various species not specifically categorized, such as *Illex argentinus* (Argentine shortfin squid) and *Illex illecebrosus* (Northern shortfin squid). The top fishing countries for these squids include Argentina, China, South Korea, Spain, and Taiwan. Argentina leads the global catch, particularly in the Southwest Atlantic, where the Argentine shortfin squid supports one of the world’s largest cephalopod fisheries. China and South Korea operate extensive distant-water fleets, harvesting significant quantities in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Spain and Taiwan are also major players, with Spanish vessels active off the South American coast and Taiwanese fleets fishing in international waters. The shortfin squid fishery is a vital economic resource for these countries, supporting export markets and local consumption, though it is subject to fluctuations due to the species' sensitivity to environmental changes and fishing pressure.

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