The California mussel (*Mytilus californianus*) is a large, edible bivalve native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to Baja California. Renowned for its robust shells and rich flavor, this species thrives in intertidal zones, often forming dense beds on rocky shores. While the California mussel is primarily harvested for local consumption and ecological research within the United States, particularly in California, commercial-scale fishing is relatively limited compared to other mussel species. The United States is the principal country involved in the regulated harvest of California mussels, with strict management in place to protect wild populations and coastal ecosystems. Other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, also have access to this species along their Pacific coasts, but their commercial exploitation is minimal and often overshadowed by the cultivation and export of other mussel species like the Mediterranean mussel (*Mytilus galloprovincialis*). Overall, the California mussel fishery remains small and regionally focused, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.