Razor clams and knife clams, grouped under the FAO category "razor clams, knife clams nei (not elsewhere included)," are elongated bivalve mollusks found in sandy coastal environments, prized for their delicate, sweet flavor and tender texture. These clams are primarily harvested through hand digging, specialized raking, or dredging in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. The leading countries in razor and knife clam fisheries are China, South Korea, and Japan, with China dominating global production due to its extensive coastal aquaculture and wild harvest operations, particularly of species like *Sinonovacula constricta* and *Solen spp.* South Korea and Japan also have significant fisheries, focusing on both wild collection and managed aquaculture, catering to strong domestic demand and export markets. The industry in these countries is characterized by traditional harvesting methods, community-based management, and increasing attention to sustainability due to habitat sensitivity and overfishing concerns.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Pakistan | 494 |
2 | Norway | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.