The top rough limpet (Patella ulyssiponensis), a marine gastropod mollusk found along rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, is prized for its edible flesh and plays a role in local coastal cuisines. This species is primarily harvested in southern European countries, with Portugal and Spain leading in commercial and artisanal limpet fisheries. Madeira (Portugal) is especially renowned for its limpet dishes, and local fishermen use traditional hand-gathering methods to collect them from intertidal zones. Italy and France also harvest rough limpets, though on a smaller scale, mainly for local consumption. The rough limpet fishery is typically small-scale and regulated to prevent overexploitation, as limpets are vulnerable to habitat disturbance and overharvesting.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.