Top Basket Cockle Fishing Countries

The basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii), also known as the Nuttall cockle, is a large, heart-shaped bivalve mollusk native to the Pacific coasts of North America, particularly from Alaska to California. This species thrives in sandy and muddy intertidal zones, making it accessible for both commercial and subsistence harvesting. The top basket cockle fishing countries are the United States and Canada, with significant harvesting occurring in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest. In these regions, basket cockles are collected by hand or with rakes during low tide, supporting local economies and traditional indigenous diets. While the global market for basket cockles is relatively small compared to other clam species, their sweet, tender meat is prized in local seafood cuisine, and sustainable management practices help maintain healthy populations for future generations.

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