Top European Flat Oyster Fishing Countries

The European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) is a native bivalve mollusk prized for its delicate flavor and rounded, flat shell, historically abundant along the Atlantic coasts of Europe. Overfishing, disease, and habitat loss have reduced wild populations, but the species remains an important part of Europe's shellfish industry, both from wild harvests and aquaculture. The top European countries involved in flat oyster fishing and farming are France, the United Kingdom (notably Scotland and Ireland), the Netherlands, and Denmark. France, particularly the Brittany and Normandy regions, is renowned for its oyster culture and is among the leading producers, while the UK and Ireland have revitalized both wild fisheries and restoration projects. The Netherlands and Denmark also contribute significantly, focusing on sustainable management and restoration of native oyster beds to support both commercial harvest and ecosystem health.

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