Top Bearded Horse Mussel Fishing Countries

The Bearded Horse Mussel (*Modiolus barbatus*) is a marine bivalve mollusk found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Recognized for its elongated, reddish-brown shell covered with byssal threads resembling a "beard," this mussel is valued for its edible meat and is an important component of local shellfish fisheries. The top countries harvesting the Bearded Horse Mussel are Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where traditional and small-scale fisheries target this species, often using dredges or hand-collection methods. In these countries, the mussel is both consumed domestically—often featured in local seafood dishes—and exported to other European markets. The fishing industry surrounding the Bearded Horse Mussel is regulated to prevent overexploitation, with some regions establishing marine protected areas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainable harvests and the preservation of benthic habitats.

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