Top Spiny Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Spiny lobsters, belonging to the family Palinuridae, are prized crustaceans known for their long, spiny antennae and lack of large claws, distinguishing them from true lobsters. These lobsters inhabit warm waters and rocky reefs, making them a valuable target for commercial fisheries due to their high market demand, especially in Asia, Europe, and North America. The category "Spiny Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) refers to catches of spiny lobster species that are not specifically identified by species in global fisheries statistics. Major fishing countries in this NEI category include Indonesia, India, Mexico, Brazil, and several Caribbean nations, all of which have significant artisanal and commercial fisheries targeting various spiny lobster species. These fisheries are economically important, providing livelihoods for coastal communities, but are often challenged by overfishing, habitat degradation, and the need for improved management to ensure sustainability.

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