The Atlantic jackknife clam, also known as the Atlantic razor clam (Ensis leei or Ensis directus), is a slender, elongated bivalve mollusk found along the sandy shores of the North Atlantic, from Canada down to the Carolinas and in parts of Europe after being introduced there. This species is prized for its sweet, delicate meat and is harvested both commercially and recreationally. The top countries involved in the fishing and harvesting of Atlantic jackknife clams are the United States, particularly in the Northeast (Massachusetts, Maine, and New Jersey), and Canada, especially in the Maritime provinces. In Europe, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have developed significant fisheries after the species was introduced to European waters in the late 20th century. Harvesting is typically done by hand raking at low tide or using specialized mechanical dredges, and the industry supports local economies through both direct sales and export markets, with demand driven by seafood restaurants and Asian cuisine markets.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | United States of America | 197 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.