Jellyfish, belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, are gelatinous marine creatures found in oceans worldwide and have become an increasingly important fishery resource, especially in Asia. Their commercial harvest is primarily for food, with jellyfish considered a delicacy in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. China leads the world in jellyfish fishing, both in terms of catch volume and processing, exporting large quantities to other Asian markets. Japan and South Korea also have well-established jellyfish fisheries, targeting species like Rhopilema esculentum and Stomolophus meleagris, which are processed into various culinary products. In addition to Asia, countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines contribute to the global jellyfish catch, while some Mediterranean and West African nations have developed smaller-scale fisheries in response to growing demand. The jellyfish fishing industry provides livelihoods for coastal communities but also raises ecological concerns, as overfishing and environmental changes can disrupt marine ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 23 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.