Salps are gelatinous, barrel-shaped marine tunicates that drift in open oceans, feeding on phytoplankton by filtering water through their bodies. While not a traditional target of global commercial fisheries, salps have gained attention in recent years due to their abundance and potential as a source of protein, animal feed, and even biofuel. The top countries involved in salps fishing are primarily located in East Asia, with China and Japan being notable for their experimental harvesting and research into salp utilization. In these countries, salps are sometimes processed into food products or used in aquaculture feed. Additionally, some Mediterranean nations, such as Italy, have reported small-scale harvesting, mainly for research or niche culinary uses. However, the salp fishing industry remains relatively minor compared to other fisheries, with most activity focused on exploring their economic potential and ecological impact.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 496 |
| 2 | Ukraine | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.