The Top Warty Gracilaria (Gracilaria verrucosa) is not a fish but a species of red algae, widely valued for its use in agar production and as a food source in many Asian cuisines. This seaweed thrives in brackish coastal waters and is primarily harvested through aquaculture rather than wild capture. The leading countries involved in the cultivation and harvest of Warty Gracilaria are Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Indonesia stands as the world’s largest producer, benefiting from extensive coastal farming operations that support both local economies and international markets. The Gracilaria industry in these countries is significant, providing livelihoods for coastal communities and contributing to exports, particularly for the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 823 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.