Top Common Edible Cockle Fishing Countries

The common edible cockle (Cerastoderma edule) is a small, bivalve mollusk found in sandy, sheltered coastal areas of Europe, particularly in intertidal zones. Renowned for its sweet, briny flavor and tender texture, the cockle is a staple in many European cuisines. The top countries engaged in cockle fishing are the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. These nations have long traditions of harvesting cockles, either by hand-raking or mechanical dredging, supporting both local consumption and export markets. The industry is especially important in regions such as the Wash in England, the Ría de Arousa in Spain, and the Wadden Sea shared by the Netherlands and Germany. Sustainable management and periodic closures are implemented in many areas to ensure the long-term viability of cockle populations, reflecting the species’ economic and cultural significance in these coastal communities.

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