The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a small, freshwater bivalve native to East and Southeast Asia, recognized for its rounded shell and rapid reproductive rate. Valued as both a food source and for its role in traditional cuisine, the Asian clam supports significant commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top Asian clam fishing countries include China, Vietnam, and Thailand, where extensive river systems and lakes provide ideal habitats for large-scale harvesting. China leads global production, with vast aquaculture operations and wild harvests supplying domestic and international markets. Vietnam and Thailand also maintain robust fisheries, often relying on manual collection methods in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. The industry provides livelihoods for thousands of rural families, though it faces challenges from overharvesting and habitat degradation.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.