Sea lettuce is not a fish, but rather a type of edible green macroalgae from the genus *Ulva*, commonly found in coastal marine environments worldwide. It is highly valued for its nutritional content and is harvested for food, animal feed, and fertilizer. The top sea lettuce harvesting countries include China, South Korea, and Japan, where it is collected both from wild stocks and through aquaculture. In these countries, sea lettuce is used in soups, salads, and as a wrap for sushi, contributing to a significant seaweed industry that also includes other species like nori and wakame. The sustainable harvesting and cultivation of sea lettuce play an important role in local economies and coastal management, especially in East Asia, where demand for edible seaweeds continues to grow.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 588 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.