Top Red Sea Squirt Fishing Countries

The Red Sea Squirt (Halocynthia papillosa), also known as the sea peach, is a tunicate species found in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, recognized for its bright red, bulbous body attached to rocky substrates. Although not a fish but a marine invertebrate, it is harvested for culinary purposes, especially in East Asian and Mediterranean cuisines where its unique flavor is prized. The top countries involved in sea squirt fishing and aquaculture are South Korea, Japan, and China, with South Korea leading global production—particularly of the closely related sea squirt species Halocynthia roretzi, known locally as meongge. In the Mediterranean, countries like Italy and Spain also harvest the Red Sea Squirt, though on a much smaller scale, primarily for local consumption. The fishing industry for sea squirts in these regions involves both wild harvest and aquaculture, contributing to local economies and culinary traditions.

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