Caulerpa seaweeds, often referred to as "sea grapes" or "green caviar," are edible marine algae prized for their unique texture and nutritional value, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine. Unlike finfish, Caulerpa is not a fish but a genus of fast-growing green algae harvested primarily from shallow tropical and subtropical coastal waters. The leading countries in Caulerpa seaweed fishing and aquaculture are the Philippines and Indonesia, where it is a significant component of local diets and export markets. In the Philippines, Caulerpa lentillifera (locally called "lato" or "ar-arosep") is widely cultivated and consumed fresh in salads, while Indonesia is known for both wild harvesting and farming Caulerpa racemosa. These countries have developed sustainable farming techniques to meet both domestic demand and growing international interest, making them the top producers in the global Caulerpa seaweed industry.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samoa | 8 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.