The South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) is a marine mammal native to the southern African coastline, particularly abundant along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. While not a fish, this pinniped has historically been targeted for its valuable fur, oil, and meat. The primary countries involved in the harvesting of South African fur seals are Namibia and, to a lesser extent, South Africa. Namibia maintains a regulated commercial seal harvest, primarily for export markets in Asia and Europe, while South Africa has largely ceased commercial sealing, focusing instead on conservation and ecotourism. The industry has faced international criticism due to animal welfare concerns, leading to stricter regulations and declining harvests in recent decades.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Namibia | 6,200 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.