Top Periwinkles Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The top "Periwinkles Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) fishing countries are primarily located in Europe and West Africa, with notable contributions from nations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Ghana. Periwinkles are small marine gastropod mollusks, most commonly referring to species in the genus *Littorina*, such as the common periwinkle (*Littorina littorea*). These snails inhabit rocky shorelines and intertidal zones, where they graze on algae. The periwinkle fishery is largely artisanal and supports coastal communities, with the catch primarily destined for human consumption—often considered a delicacy in European cuisine. The United Kingdom, especially Scotland, is a major harvester, exporting significant quantities to continental Europe and Asia. West African countries like Ghana also have active periwinkle fisheries, where the species is an important source of protein and income. The industry is characterized by hand-gathering methods and small-scale operations, reflecting the species’ ecological niche and the traditional practices of the regions involved.

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