Limpets, classified under the FAO category "Top Limpets Not Elsewhere Included," are marine gastropod mollusks known for their conical shells and strong adhesion to intertidal rocks. Limpets are primarily harvested for food and bait, with their sweet, chewy flesh being a delicacy in some coastal cuisines. The main countries involved in limpet fishing are Portugal (particularly the Azores and Madeira), Spain (notably the Canary Islands), and to a lesser extent, Chile and certain regions of the United Kingdom. In Portugal and Spain, limpets are collected by hand during low tide, supporting small-scale fisheries that are important to local economies and traditions. Sustainable management is crucial, as overharvesting can threaten limpet populations and the ecosystems they inhabit. While global limpet harvest volumes are modest compared to other shellfish, these countries remain leaders in both production and consumption of this unique marine resource.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 70 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.