The top smooth scallop fishing countries are primarily found in Europe, with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom leading global harvests. The smooth scallop (*Flexopecten glaber*), also known as the Mediterranean scallop, is a bivalve mollusk native to the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coasts. This species is prized for its tender, sweet flesh and is harvested both through wild capture and aquaculture. France, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, has a long history of scallop fishing, employing regulated dredging methods to ensure sustainability. Spain, especially along its northern coast, and the UK, with its productive English Channel and North Sea beds, also maintain significant smooth scallop fisheries. These countries have developed robust management systems, including quotas and closed seasons, to preserve scallop stocks and support the economic vitality of their coastal communities.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.