The Larga seal (Phoca largha), also known as the spotted seal, is a medium-sized pinniped native to the cold, coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean and adjacent seas, including the Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and Yellow Sea. While not a fish but a marine mammal, Larga seals have historically been targeted for their fur, oil, and meat. The top countries involved in Larga seal harvesting are Russia and, to a lesser extent, Japan, due to their proximity to the species' primary habitats. In Russia, particularly in the Far East regions such as the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea, Larga seal hunting has traditionally supported indigenous communities, though commercial exploitation has declined in recent decades due to conservation concerns and changing market demands. Japan has also engaged in limited harvests, mainly for research and traditional uses. International regulations and conservation measures have increasingly restricted large-scale commercial hunting, focusing on sustainable management and protection of Larga seal populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Federation | 640 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.