Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) is not a fish but a large brown seaweed found in the temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific, particularly along the coasts of North America and parts of Asia. It forms dense underwater forests that provide habitat for many marine species and is harvested for its valuable alginates, used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The top bull kelp harvesting countries are the United States (notably Alaska, Washington, and California), Canada (especially British Columbia), and, to a lesser extent, Japan and South Korea. In these regions, the bull kelp industry is managed to ensure sustainability, with strict regulations on harvest methods and quotas to protect the vital ecosystems supported by kelp forests.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 11,602 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.