The Pelican Foot, scientifically known as Aporrhais pespelecani, is a distinctive marine gastropod mollusk recognized for its wing-like shell extensions that resemble a pelican’s foot. This species inhabits sandy and muddy substrates in the shallow coastal waters of the Northeast Atlantic and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Commercial harvesting of the Pelican Foot is relatively limited compared to other mollusks, but it is occasionally collected as part of mixed benthic fisheries, primarily for ornamental purposes or as a minor food source. The top countries involved in the harvesting of Pelican Foot include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal, where small-scale fisheries and bycatch from trawling operations account for most of the landings. While not a major target of commercial fisheries, the Pelican Foot’s unique appearance makes it of interest to shell collectors and contributes modestly to local economies in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italy | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.