Top Starfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Starfishes Not Elsewhere Included" refers to various species of starfish (class Asteroidea) that are not classified under more specific trade categories. While starfish are not a major target of global commercial fisheries compared to finfish or shellfish, they are harvested in some countries for use as curios, in traditional medicine, and occasionally as food or aquarium specimens. The primary fishing countries for these non-specific starfish species include China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where artisanal and small-scale fishers collect them from shallow coastal waters. The starfish industry in these regions is relatively small but persistent, with products often exported for decorative purposes or local consumption. Starfish populations are sensitive to overharvesting and habitat disturbance, so sustainable management is important to prevent ecological imbalance in these biodiverse marine environments.

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