Top Red Seaweeds Fishing Countries

Red seaweeds, belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta, are not fish but are highly valued marine algae harvested for their use in food products (such as nori and agar), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The top red seaweed harvesting countries are China, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. These nations have long histories of seaweed farming and wild harvesting, particularly of economically important species like Porphyra (nori), Gracilaria, and Eucheuma. China and Indonesia lead global production, with extensive aquaculture operations supporting both domestic consumption and export markets. South Korea and Japan have developed sophisticated cultivation techniques, especially for nori and agar production, making red seaweed a significant part of their coastal economies. The Philippines is a major exporter of carrageenan extracted from red seaweeds, which is widely used as a gelling agent in food and industry. The red seaweed industry in these countries supports millions of livelihoods and is a critical component of their coastal economies.

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