Top Laver (Nori Fishing Countries

Nori, also known as laver, refers to edible seaweed species primarily from the genera *Porphyra* and *Pyropia*, which are highly valued in East Asian cuisine, especially for wrapping sushi and onigiri. Nori is not a fish, but rather a type of marine algae, and its cultivation and harvesting constitute a significant aquaculture industry. The top nori-producing countries are Japan, South Korea, and China, with Japan historically leading in both production and innovation of nori farming techniques. In these countries, nori farming is a highly developed industry, involving sophisticated methods of seedling propagation, net cultivation in coastal waters, and mechanized harvesting and processing. Nori cultivation supports coastal economies and provides a nutritious, sustainable food source, with global demand steadily increasing due to the popularity of Japanese cuisine worldwide.

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