Lacy sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is not a fish, but a species of edible green seaweed found in coastal waters worldwide. Renowned for its delicate, ruffled leaves and high nutritional value, lacy sea lettuce is widely harvested for use in salads, soups, and as a garnish, especially in Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. The top countries involved in the commercial harvesting and aquaculture of lacy sea lettuce include China, South Korea, and Japan, where seaweed farming is a significant industry. These nations utilize both wild collection and advanced aquaculture techniques to meet domestic and export demand. In Europe, France and Ireland also contribute to the industry, focusing on sustainable wild harvests and small-scale cultivation. The global lacy sea lettuce industry supports coastal economies, promotes sustainable seafood alternatives, and reflects a growing interest in sea vegetables as a healthy and environmentally friendly food source.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiwan Province of China | 56 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.