Top Queen Scallop Fishing Countries

The queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) is a small, edible bivalve mollusk prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Found primarily in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, queen scallops are commonly harvested from sandy or gravelly seabeds at depths of up to 100 meters. The top countries engaged in queen scallop fishing are the United Kingdom—particularly the Isle of Man and Scotland—and Ireland, which have well-established fisheries and management systems for this species. The UK, especially the Isle of Man, is renowned for its sustainable queen scallop fishery, which uses dredging and selective fishing methods to minimize environmental impact. Spain and France also have notable queen scallop fisheries, supplying both domestic and European markets. The queen scallop industry is vital for coastal communities in these countries, supporting local economies through both wild capture and, increasingly, aquaculture operations.

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