"Top Kelps Not Elsewhere Included" refers to categories of large brown seaweeds, primarily from the order Laminariales, that are harvested for various uses but are not classified under more specific kelp types in global fisheries statistics. These kelps, such as *Laminaria* and *Macrocystis* species, are valued for their use in food (especially in East Asian cuisine), fertilizers, animal feed, and as a source of alginates for industrial applications. The leading countries in harvesting these kelps are China, South Korea, and Chile. China dominates global production, utilizing extensive coastal aquaculture systems, while South Korea and Chile also maintain significant wild and farmed kelp industries. These nations have developed robust supply chains and processing industries around kelp, making them the top contributors to the global kelp market for species not otherwise specifically categorized.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 6,443 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.