Top Banded Carpet Shell Fishing Countries

The Banded Carpet Shell (Ruditapes philippinarum), also known as the Japanese littleneck clam, is a highly valued bivalve mollusk found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. Renowned for its delicate flavor and culinary versatility, this species supports a significant global fishery and aquaculture industry. The top Banded Carpet Shell fishing countries are China, Italy, Spain, and South Korea. China is by far the largest producer, primarily through extensive aquaculture operations along its eastern coast. In Europe, Italy and Spain have established robust fisheries and aquaculture farms, especially in the Adriatic Sea and along the Mediterranean coast, where the species was introduced and has thrived. South Korea also maintains a substantial harvest, both from wild stocks and aquaculture. These countries have developed specialized farming techniques and management practices to sustain high production levels, making the Banded Carpet Shell an important economic resource in their coastal communities.

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