Top Sea Urchins Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sea urchins, spiny echinoderms found in oceans worldwide, are highly valued for their edible roe, known as "uni" in Japanese cuisine. The global sea urchin fishing industry is driven primarily by demand from Japan, but significant harvesting occurs in countries not always listed among the top producers, often grouped as "not elsewhere included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics. These NEI countries include Chile, Russia, Norway, and New Zealand, where sea urchin fisheries support local economies and export markets. Chile, in particular, is a major player, harvesting species such as Loxechinus albus, while Russia and Norway focus on Strongylocentrotus species in colder northern waters. New Zealand harvests Evechinus chloroticus, known locally as "kina." These countries employ a mix of traditional diving and modern harvesting techniques, and their sea urchin fisheries are subject to regulations to prevent overexploitation, as sea urchin populations are sensitive to environmental changes and overfishing.

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