Top Sea Cucumbers Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sea cucumbers are marine invertebrates belonging to the class Holothuroidea, prized in many Asian cuisines and traditional medicines for their texture and purported health benefits. The category "Sea Cucumbers Not Elsewhere Included" refers to various species beyond the most commercially recognized types, such as *Apostichopus japonicus* or *Holothuria scabra*. The global sea cucumber fishery is driven primarily by demand in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, with top harvesting nations including Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Madagascar. These countries operate both artisanal and industrial fisheries, often hand-collecting or diving for sea cucumbers in shallow tropical waters. Overfishing and high international prices have led to concerns about sustainability, prompting some nations to impose stricter regulations or seasonal closures to protect vulnerable stocks. The trade in these lesser-known sea cucumber species continues to be a significant source of income for coastal communities in the Indo-Pacific and parts of East Africa.

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