Top Black Ark Fishing Countries

The Black Ark, also known as Arca noae or the Noah’s Ark shell, is a bivalve mollusk found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic. Recognized for its robust, dark, boat-shaped shell, the Black Ark is harvested for its edible meat and is a traditional delicacy in several Mediterranean cuisines. The leading countries involved in Black Ark fishing are Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries play a significant role in coastal economies. These nations have developed specialized harvesting techniques, often by hand or with simple dredges, to collect the mollusks from rocky substrates and seagrass beds. The Black Ark fishery is closely managed in many regions to prevent overexploitation, reflecting the species’ importance both as a food source and as a component of marine biodiversity.

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