The large trough shell (*Mactra stultorum*), also known as the rayed trough shell, is a bivalve mollusk found along sandy coasts of the northeast Atlantic, particularly from Norway to the Mediterranean. This species is valued for its edible, sweet-tasting flesh and is primarily harvested by commercial fisheries using dredges and rakes. The leading countries in large trough shell fishing are Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, where the shellfish is an important part of local cuisine and export markets. These nations have established regulated fisheries to manage stocks and ensure sustainability, as overharvesting and habitat disturbance can threaten populations. The industry is characterized by both small-scale artisanal fishers and larger commercial operations, with landings peaking in regions like Galicia in Spain and the Atlantic coasts of France and Portugal.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 71 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.