Top Aquatic Plants Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The term "Top Aquatic Plants Not Elsewhere Included" refers not to a fish species, but to a category in global fisheries statistics that encompasses various aquatic plants—such as seaweeds (e.g., kelp, nori, wakame) and other algae—harvested for food, industrial, and agricultural uses. Countries leading in the harvest of these aquatic plants include China, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan. China is by far the largest producer, accounting for over half of the world's aquatic plant production, especially with extensive seaweed farming along its coasts. These countries have developed sophisticated aquaculture industries, cultivating species like Saccharina, Porphyra, and Eucheuma, which are vital for culinary uses (such as sushi wrap and soups), as well as for extracting carrageenan and alginates used in food processing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The aquatic plant industry provides significant economic value, supports coastal communities, and is increasingly recognized for its environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and habitat provision.

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