Top Whelks Fishing Countries

Whelks are marine gastropod mollusks, most commonly from the family Buccinidae, prized for their firm, flavorful flesh and widely harvested as a seafood delicacy. The species most frequently targeted in commercial fisheries is the common whelk (Buccinum undatum), found in cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic. The top whelk fishing countries include the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Ireland, and Canada. In Europe, the UK and France lead the industry, with fleets harvesting whelks using baited pots along their Atlantic coasts and exporting much of the catch to East Asia, where demand is high. South Korea is a major harvester and consumer of native whelk species, such as Rapana venosa, which are also valued in local cuisine. The whelk industry is significant for coastal communities in these countries, providing economic support and export income, though it is increasingly managed with quotas and size limits to ensure sustainability.

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