Top Ringed Seal Fishing Countries

The ringed seal (Pusa hispida) is a small, ice-dependent pinniped native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for its distinctive dark spots surrounded by light rings on its fur. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator and prey in polar marine ecosystems. The primary countries engaged in harvesting ringed seals are Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Norway, where traditional and subsistence hunting remains culturally and economically significant, particularly among Indigenous communities. These nations regulate ringed seal harvesting to balance conservation with cultural practices, and the industry largely supplies local demand for meat, oil, and pelts rather than large-scale international trade. Sustainable management and the impact of climate change on sea ice habitats are ongoing concerns for the future of ringed seal populations and the communities that depend on them.

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