The Golden Carpet Shell (Ruditapes aureus), also known as the golden clam, is a bivalve mollusk prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and is commonly found in sandy coastal waters of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. This species is an important target for both wild capture and aquaculture, with Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France ranking among the top fishing and farming countries. Spain, particularly the region of Galicia, leads in both wild harvest and cultivated production due to its extensive estuarine systems and advanced aquaculture techniques. Portugal and Italy also maintain significant fisheries and farming operations, supplying both domestic and export markets. The industry is carefully managed in these countries to ensure sustainability, with strict regulations on catch sizes, seasons, and aquaculture practices to protect natural stocks and maintain the high quality of this sought-after shellfish.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.