Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is not a fish but a large, fast-growing brown seaweed found primarily along temperate coastal waters, especially in the Pacific Ocean. It forms dense underwater forests that provide habitat for a variety of marine life. The harvesting of giant kelp is a significant industry in countries with extensive kelp forests, particularly the United States (notably California), Chile, and Australia. These countries lead in the sustainable harvest of giant kelp, which is used for products such as alginates (thickening agents in food and industrial products), fertilizers, animal feed, and even biofuels. The kelp industry is closely regulated to ensure environmental sustainability, as these underwater forests play a crucial ecological role.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peru | 46,662 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.