Top Veined Rapa Whelk Fishing Countries

The veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) is a large predatory sea snail native to the western Pacific, particularly the Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea, but it has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the Black Sea and parts of the Mediterranean. Known for its robust, veined shell and voracious appetite for bivalves, the rapa whelk is highly valued in Asian cuisine, especially in China and Korea. The top fishing countries for veined rapa whelk are China, South Korea, and Turkey, with China leading both in harvest volume and market demand. In the Black Sea region, particularly off the coasts of Turkey and Ukraine, the rapa whelk has become a significant fishery, providing economic benefits to coastal communities but also raising concerns about ecological impacts on native shellfish populations. The commercial harvesting of rapa whelk is typically done using dredges and traps, and the industry has grown rapidly in response to strong export markets, especially to East Asia.

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