Top Japanese Kelp Fishing Countries

Japanese kelp, known scientifically as *Saccharina japonica*, is a type of large brown seaweed prized for its culinary and industrial uses, especially in East Asian cuisine where it is called "kombu." Unlike fish, Japanese kelp is a marine plant harvested primarily through aquaculture and wild collection. The leading producers and harvesters of Japanese kelp are China, Japan, and South Korea. China dominates global production, cultivating vast quantities along its northern coastlines, particularly in Shandong and Liaoning provinces. Japan, where kombu is a dietary staple and essential for making dashi broth, harvests kelp mainly from the cold waters off Hokkaido. South Korea also cultivates and harvests significant amounts of kelp, known locally as "dashima." The industry is vital for coastal economies in these countries, supporting both local consumption and export markets.

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