Top American Cupped Oyster Fishing Countries

The American cupped oyster (Crassostrea virginica), also known as the Eastern oyster, is a bivalve mollusk native to the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for its ecological and economic importance, this oyster species is a cornerstone of the shellfish industry, providing habitat for marine life and supporting water filtration. The United States is by far the leading harvester of American cupped oysters, with major production concentrated in states such as Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. Canada also maintains a smaller but significant oyster fishery, particularly in the Maritime Provinces like Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. While the species has been introduced to other countries, such as Brazil, its commercial harvest remains predominantly in North America, where both wild capture and aquaculture play vital roles in supplying domestic and international markets.

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