In 2023, the Netherlands led European production of clams, cockles, and arkshells with 31.33 thousand metric tons for human consumption, followed by Italy with 16.96 thousand metric tons. Denmark marked notable growth with a 33.31% increase from previous years, reaching 11.49 thousand metric tons. The UK also showed a positive trend with a 5.35% rise, while France experienced a slight decline of 0.82%. Southern European countries, including Portugal and Spain, faced declines of 3.52% and 3.42%, respectively. Several smaller producers such as Bulgaria, Greece, and Croatia exhibited declining outputs, while Slovenia showed a significant increase of 22.3%.
Future trends to watch include:
- Potential further growth in Northern European countries, particularly Denmark and the Netherlands, driven by sustainable practices and technological advancements.
- Continued challenges in Southern Europe due to regulatory changes and environmental issues.
- The impact of climate change on shellfish habitats and its potential to shift production patterns across Europe.
- Increased focus on sustainable fishing and international cooperation could drive future changes in production levels.
Top countries in Total Clams, Cockles and Arkshells Production in Capture Fisheries for Human Consumption by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Metric Tons | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Netherlands | 31,330 | 2023 | +23.12% | +30.99% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Italy | 16,960 | 2023 | -11.34% | +0.98% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Denmark | 11,490 | 2023 | +2.6% | +33.31% | View data |
| 4 | 4 United Kingdom | 10,520 | 2023 | +3.31% | +5.35% | View data |
| 5 | 5 France | 7,970 | 2023 | -6.58% | -0.82% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Portugal | 5,930 | 2023 | +25.63% | -3.52% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Spain | 4,720 | 2023 | -14.4% | -3.42% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Bulgaria | 465.71 | 2023 | +38.2% | -5.02% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Greece | 329.4 | 2023 | -3.91% | -14.81% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Croatia | 113.72 | 2023 | +24.82% | -4.98% | View data |