Top Snubnose Emperor Fishing Countries

The Top Snubnose Emperor (Lethrinus vaigiensis), also known as the sky emperor or yellowstreak emperor, is a reef-associated fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its firm, white flesh and popularity in local seafood markets. This species inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, and sandy bottoms, often targeted by artisanal and commercial fisheries. The leading countries harvesting the Top Snubnose Emperor include Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, where it is caught using handlines, traps, and gillnets. In these nations, the species contributes significantly to local food security and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers, with Indonesia and the Philippines standing out as major suppliers to both domestic and export markets. Sustainable management is increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of emperor fisheries, given their ecological and economic significance.

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