Top Yesso Scallop Fishing Countries

The Yesso scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis), also known as the Japanese scallop, is a large, cold-water bivalve native to the northwest Pacific, particularly the waters off northern Japan, Russia’s Far East, and the Korean Peninsula. This species is prized for its sweet, firm flesh and is a staple in both domestic and international seafood markets. Japan is the world’s leading producer, with extensive aquaculture operations in Hokkaido, where the industry has been carefully managed and technologically advanced since the early 20th century. Russia is another major harvester, especially in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, where wild capture and some aquaculture support significant exports. South Korea also participates in Yesso scallop production, though on a smaller scale. The Yesso scallop industry is notable for its sustainable practices, including spat collection and grow-out in suspended nets, which help maintain healthy populations and high product quality.

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