Top Echinoderms Fishing Countries

Echinoderms, a group of marine animals that includes sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and starfish, are highly valued in various global cuisines and traditional medicines, particularly in East Asia. Among these, sea cucumbers and sea urchins are the most commercially important, with their roe and body parts considered delicacies. The top echinoderm fishing countries are China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with China being the largest producer and consumer, especially of sea cucumbers. Japan and South Korea are renowned for their sea urchin fisheries, supplying high-quality uni (sea urchin roe) for sushi markets worldwide. Indonesia and the Philippines also contribute significantly, exporting both fresh and dried echinoderms to Asian markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to declining stocks in some regions, prompting increased aquaculture efforts and stricter management practices in major producing countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.