Top Murex Shells Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Murex shells refer to a group of predatory marine gastropods in the family Muricidae, prized both for their ornate shells and, historically, for producing Tyrian purple dye. The term "Top Murex Shells Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics typically covers various Muricidae species not classified under specific commercial categories. These mollusks are harvested primarily for ornamental shell trade, local consumption, and sometimes for their dye. Leading countries in the fishing and collection of murex shells include the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where rich coral reef habitats support diverse Muricidae populations. The industry is largely artisanal, with local fishers gathering murex shells by hand or via shallow-water diving. While not as economically significant as finfish or major shellfish, the trade in murex shells contributes to coastal livelihoods and the global shellcraft market, though overharvesting and habitat loss have raised conservation concerns in some regions.

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