Top North European Kelp Fishing Countries

Kelp, while not a fish but a large brown seaweed, is a vital marine resource harvested extensively in North Europe, particularly along the coasts of Norway, Iceland, and Scotland (United Kingdom). These countries possess cold, nutrient-rich waters ideal for the growth of kelp forests, primarily species like Laminaria digitata and Saccharina latissima. The North European kelp industry is well-developed, with Norway being the leading harvester, producing hundreds of thousands of tons annually for use in food, animal feed, fertilizers, and the extraction of alginates for industrial applications. Iceland and Scotland also maintain significant kelp harvesting operations, balancing commercial demand with sustainable management practices to protect marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. The kelp industry in these countries is a blend of traditional hand-harvesting and modern mechanized techniques, playing an essential role in local economies and global supply chains for seaweed products.

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