Gorgonians, commonly known as sea fans or sea whips, are soft corals found primarily in tropical and subtropical oceans, especially in the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic. Unlike traditional fish, gorgonians are colonial marine invertebrates, prized for their vibrant colors and intricate branching structures, making them popular in the aquarium trade and for decorative purposes. The main countries involved in the harvesting of gorgonians are the United States (notably Florida), several Caribbean nations such as the Bahamas, and some parts of Central and South America. The fishing industry targeting gorgonians is relatively small and highly regulated due to their ecological importance as habitat-formers in coral reef ecosystems. Sustainable management practices and export controls are enforced in leading harvesting countries to prevent overexploitation and ensure the conservation of these unique marine organisms.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.