Top Grooved Carpet Shell Fishing Countries

The Grooved Carpet Shell (Ruditapes decussatus) is a highly valued bivalve mollusk known for its delicate flavor and is commonly found in sandy and muddy coastal waters of the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic. This species, also called the European clam, supports a significant fishing and aquaculture industry, particularly in southern Europe and North Africa. The top countries harvesting the Grooved Carpet Shell are Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France, with Spain and Italy leading both in wild catch and aquaculture production due to their extensive estuarine and lagoon habitats. Morocco and Tunisia are also important producers, primarily through traditional fishing methods. The industry is vital for local economies, providing employment and contributing to regional cuisine, though it faces challenges from overfishing, habitat loss, and competition with the introduced Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum).

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