Top Japanese Sea Cucumber Fishing Countries

The Japanese sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is a highly valued echinoderm found in the coastal waters of the Northwest Pacific, particularly around Japan, China, Korea, and Russia. Prized for its culinary and medicinal uses, especially in East Asian cuisine, this species supports a significant fishing and aquaculture industry. The top countries harvesting Japanese sea cucumber are China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, with China being the largest producer both through wild capture and extensive aquaculture operations. Overfishing and high demand have led to strict regulations and the development of hatchery-based restocking programs, especially in Japan and China, to sustain populations and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

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