Top Venus Clams Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Venus clams, grouped under the family Veneridae, are a diverse group of bivalve mollusks prized for their tender meat and economic value. Species such as *Ruditapes philippinarum* (the Manila clam) and *Venerupis decussata* are among the most widely harvested, but the "not elsewhere included" (nei) category in FAO statistics encompasses a variety of lesser-known and regionally significant species. The top fishing countries for Venus clams nei are China, South Korea, Japan, and Italy. China dominates global production, both through wild harvest and extensive aquaculture, particularly in coastal provinces like Fujian and Zhejiang. South Korea and Japan also have robust Venus clam fisheries, focusing on both wild collection and managed farming, while Italy leads in Europe, especially in the Adriatic Sea, where clams are a staple of local cuisine and economy. The Venus clam industry supports coastal livelihoods, exports, and culinary traditions, but also faces challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and the need for sustainable management practices.

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