Top Tunas Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top tunas not elsewhere included" is a category used in fisheries statistics to refer to several commercially valuable tuna species that are not individually specified, often including bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), albacore (Thunnus alalunga), and other less prominent species alongside the more commonly tracked skipjack and yellowfin tunas. These tunas are highly prized for their firm flesh and are a staple in global sashimi and canned tuna markets. The fishing industry for these species is vast and international, with countries such as Taiwan, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea ranking among the top harvesters. These nations operate large industrial fleets, often using purse seine, longline, and pole-and-line methods in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The economic importance of these tunas drives significant exports and supports coastal economies, but also raises concerns about overfishing and sustainability, prompting international management efforts through organizations like the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

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