The taquilla clam, also known as the "surf clam" (Donax spp.), is a small bivalve mollusk found in sandy coastal areas, particularly along the Pacific coasts of Latin America. These clams are prized for their tender meat and are a staple in local cuisines, often used in ceviche and other seafood dishes. The top taquilla clam fishing countries are Peru, Mexico, and Chile, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries play a significant role in coastal economies. In Peru, the taquilla clam fishery is especially important along the northern coast, supporting thousands of local fishers and their families. Mexico's Pacific coast, particularly in the states of Sinaloa and Baja California, is another major harvesting area, with both domestic consumption and export markets. Chile also has a notable taquilla clam fishery, with sustainable management practices increasingly being implemented to address concerns over overfishing and habitat degradation. These countries have developed regulatory frameworks to ensure the long-term viability of taquilla clam populations, balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 1,421 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.