Giant Gelidium is not a fish species, but rather a genus of red algae (seaweed) prized for its use in producing agar, a gelatinous substance widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The harvesting of Gelidium species, particularly *Gelidium amansii* and *Gelidium robustum*, forms a significant industry in several coastal countries. The top Gelidium-harvesting nations include Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Japan, and South Korea, where traditional and modern methods are used to collect these seaweeds from rocky shorelines and subtidal zones. Spain, especially the Galicia region, has historically been one of the largest producers, supplying much of the world’s high-quality agar. The industry supports local economies and is subject to sustainable harvesting regulations to prevent overexploitation and ensure the continued health of coastal marine ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 354 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.