Top Royal Cucumber Fishing Countries

The "Royal Cucumber" is likely a reference to the sea cucumber, a marine invertebrate prized in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, particularly in China, where it is considered a delicacy and an ingredient with purported health benefits. Sea cucumbers are harvested primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, with top producing countries including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. These nations have established significant fisheries targeting various species of sea cucumber, such as Holothuria scabra (sandfish) and Apostichopus japonicus (Japanese sea cucumber). The fishing industry for sea cucumbers is often artisanal, involving hand collection by divers or gleaners in shallow waters, but there are also larger-scale operations and growing aquaculture initiatives, especially in China. Overfishing and high demand have led to declining wild stocks in many areas, prompting increased regulation and interest in sustainable aquaculture practices.

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