The "Red Sea Lettuce" is not a fish species but rather a type of green macroalgae (Ulva lactuca), commonly found in shallow, coastal waters worldwide, including the Red Sea. It is harvested for use as food, animal feed, and in some cases, as a bioresource for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers. Major countries bordering the Red Sea, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, are known to collect sea lettuce, primarily through small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture operations. Egypt, in particular, has developed a notable industry around the collection and processing of seaweeds, including Ulva species, both for local consumption and export. While not a traditional "fishing" target like finfish or shellfish, the harvest of Red Sea Lettuce plays a role in the coastal economies of these nations, supporting livelihoods and contributing to the growing global market for edible seaweeds.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.