Babberlocks, also known as dabberlocks or winged kelp (Alaria esculenta), is not a fish but a species of edible brown seaweed commonly found along the cold, rocky coasts of the North Atlantic. It is widely harvested for food, particularly in countries with strong seaweed traditions. The leading countries in babberlocks (Alaria esculenta) harvesting are Norway, Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland, where the kelp is collected both for direct human consumption and for use in food products, animal feed, and cosmetics. The seaweed industry in these regions is well-established, with sustainable harvesting practices in place to maintain healthy coastal ecosystems. While not a fishery in the traditional sense, the babberlocks industry is an important part of coastal economies and culinary heritage in these North Atlantic countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.