"Marine molluscs not elsewhere included" (nei) is a catch-all category used in fisheries statistics to encompass a wide variety of mollusc species—such as various clams, cockles, whelks, and other gastropods and bivalves—that are not specified individually in international reporting. These molluscs are highly valued for their culinary uses and are harvested both for domestic consumption and export. The leading countries in the capture of marine molluscs nei include China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, with China by far the dominant producer due to its extensive coastline and developed aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries. These nations have established robust industries for harvesting, processing, and exporting molluscs, often combining traditional fishing methods with modern aquaculture practices. The mollusc fisheries contribute significantly to local economies, provide employment, and are integral to the food culture in these regions. However, the diversity of species within this category and the lack of species-specific data can pose challenges for sustainable management and conservation efforts.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | China | 362,916 |
2 | India | 124,119 |
3 | Viet Nam | 47,407 |
4 | Türkiye | 9,250 |
5 | Cambodia | 8,075 |
6 | Thailand | 6,857 |
7 | Madagascar | 6,035 |
8 | Egypt | 3,431 |
9 | Sri Lanka | 2,855 |
10 | Samoa | 1,400 |
11 | Morocco | 1,232 |
12 | Brazil | 1,190 |
12 | United Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar | 1,190 |
14 | Indonesia | 1,179 |
15 | Peru | 970 |
16 | Taiwan Province of China | 628 |
17 | Sierra Leone | 510 |
18 | Republic of Korea | 398 |
19 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 297 |
20 | Australia | 251 |
21 | Senegal | 115 |
22 | Colombia | 105 |
23 | United States of America | 82 |
24 | Yemen | 80 |
25 | Sao Tome and Principe | 73 |
26 | Canada | 55 |
27 | Dominican Republic | 45 |
28 | Syrian Arab Republic | 40 |
28 | China, Macao SAR | 40 |
30 | Italy | 34 |
31 | Chile | 30 |
32 | Algeria | 20 |
32 | Kiribati | 20 |
34 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 15 |
35 | Mexico | 11 |
36 | Cook Islands | 10 |
36 | Vanuatu | 10 |
38 | Cabo Verde | 9 |
39 | New Caledonia | 8 |
41 | Spain | 5 |
41 | New Zealand | 5 |
41 | Montenegro | 5 |
44 | Panama | 4 |
44 | Guatemala | 4 |
44 | Nicaragua | 4 |
46 | Tonga | 3 |
48 | France | 1 |
48 | Norway | 1 |
48 | Togo | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.