The giant abalone (Haliotis gigantea), also known as "awabi" in Japan, is a large marine gastropod prized for its tender, flavorful meat and decorative shell. This species is native to the coastal waters of East Asia, particularly around Japan, Korea, and China. Japan is historically the leading country in harvesting giant abalone, both through wild capture and increasingly through aquaculture, with the species considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine. South Korea and China also have significant abalone fisheries and aquaculture operations, driven by strong domestic demand and export markets. Overfishing and habitat loss have led to declines in wild populations, prompting stricter regulations and a shift toward sustainable farming practices in these top abalone-producing countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 700 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.