Top Cholga Mussel Fishing Countries

The Cholga mussel (Aulacomya atra), also known as the ribbed mussel, is a bivalve mollusk native to the temperate coastal waters of the southern hemisphere, particularly along the Pacific coast of South America. This species thrives in intertidal and subtidal zones, attaching itself to rocks and other hard surfaces. The top countries engaged in Cholga mussel fishing are Chile and Peru, with Chile being the global leader due to its extensive coastline and ideal environmental conditions for mussel cultivation. The Chilean fishing industry harvests Cholga both from wild stocks and through aquaculture, exporting large quantities to international markets, especially in Europe and Asia. The sustainable management and economic importance of Cholga mussel fisheries make them a vital part of the coastal economies in these countries.

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