Top Sea Mussels Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sea mussels, classified under "not elsewhere included" (nei) in fisheries statistics, refer to various species of marine bivalve mollusks outside the most commonly reported types such as the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) or the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis). These mussels are valued for their edible meat and are harvested both from wild stocks and through aquaculture. The leading countries in harvesting sea mussels nei include China, Chile, Spain, and the Netherlands. China dominates global production, primarily through extensive aquaculture along its coasts, while Chile and Spain have robust mussel farming industries, especially in regions like Galicia. The Netherlands is renowned for its sustainable wild mussel fisheries in the Wadden Sea and Zeeland. The industry supports local economies and exports, with mussels being a popular seafood in Europe and Asia, though it faces challenges such as environmental concerns and market fluctuations.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Republic of Korea5,112
2Brazil4,810
3Mexico2,606
4Russian Federation53

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