Top Green Seaweeds Fishing Countries

Green seaweeds, primarily from the genera Ulva (commonly known as sea lettuce) and Enteromorpha, are harvested extensively for food, animal feed, fertilizers, and as a source of bioactive compounds. Unlike finfish, green seaweeds are marine algae, not fish, but are often included in global fisheries and aquaculture statistics due to their economic importance. The top green seaweed-producing countries are China, South Korea, and Japan, where large-scale aquaculture and wild harvesting support thriving industries. China dominates global production, cultivating vast quantities in coastal waters, while South Korea and Japan also have long traditions of harvesting green seaweeds for use in traditional dishes and as export commodities. These countries have developed advanced techniques for sustainable harvesting and farming, making them leaders in the green seaweed industry, which is valued both for its nutritional benefits and its role in supporting coastal economies.

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