Top Pod Razor Shell Fishing Countries

The pod razor shell (Ensis siliqua), also known as the razor clam, is a bivalve mollusk found in sandy coastal waters, prized for its elongated, razor-like shell and delicate flavor. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvesting of pod razor shells are Spain, the United Kingdom (especially Scotland), Ireland, Portugal, and France, where extensive sandy beaches and tidal flats provide ideal habitats. Spain is particularly notable for both wild capture and aquaculture production, with Galicia being a renowned center. The fishing industry for razor shells is highly regulated in these countries to prevent overexploitation, employing hand gathering, dredging, and more recently, water jet extraction methods. Razor shell harvesting is an important economic activity for coastal communities, with much of the catch exported to high-value markets across Europe and Asia.

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