Top Sand Gaper Fishing Countries

The Top Sand Gaper (*Mya arenaria*), commonly known as the soft-shell clam, is a bivalve mollusk native to the North Atlantic and widely distributed along the coasts of Europe and North America. Renowned for its elongated, fragile shell and its ability to burrow deep into sandy and muddy substrates, the sand gaper is a prized species in the seafood industry, particularly for its tender, flavorful meat. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvesting of the sand gaper are the United States (notably in New England and the Pacific Northwest), Canada (especially in the Maritime Provinces), and several European nations such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark. These countries have established robust fisheries targeting *Mya arenaria*, utilizing both wild harvest and aquaculture techniques, with the United States and Canada leading global production. The sand gaper fishery supports local economies, provides employment, and supplies both domestic and international markets with a popular delicacy often enjoyed steamed, fried, or in chowders.

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