Top Iceland Scallop Fishing Countries

The Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) is a cold-water bivalve mollusk found primarily in the North Atlantic, particularly around Iceland, Norway, and parts of the North American coast. Known for its sweet, firm meat, the Iceland scallop supports a specialized commercial fishery. The top countries harvesting Iceland scallops are Iceland and Norway, where the species is most abundant and where established fisheries have developed since the mid-20th century. Canada, particularly in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, also maintains a significant but smaller-scale fishery for this species. These countries employ both dredging and diving methods to harvest Iceland scallops, with strict management measures in place to ensure sustainability due to the species' relatively slow growth and late maturity. The Iceland scallop industry is an important source of income in these northern regions, with much of the catch exported to European and Asian markets.

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