The Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica), also known as the nerpa, is a unique freshwater seal species endemic to Russia’s Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. Unlike most commercially fished species, the Baikal seal is not a fish but a mammal, and its harvesting is highly localized. Russia is the sole country involved in the hunting of Baikal seals, as the entire population resides within Russian territory. The hunting of Baikal seals has a long history, traditionally practiced by local communities for meat, fur, and oil. In modern times, the Russian government regulates the harvest to control population size and protect the lake’s ecosystem, with annual quotas set for subsistence and limited commercial use. Internationally, the trade of Baikal seal products is minimal due to conservation concerns and strict regulations, making Russia the only significant “fishing” country for this species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Federation | 176 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.