How do mollusks provide food for people and support fishing industries?

Mollusks have served as a vital food source for humans since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings of ancient shell middens worldwide. Today, they play a significant role in global fishing industries, with the total marine catch of mollusks being twice that of crustaceans.12

Food and Fishing Industry

The primary mollusks consumed as food include oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, snails, squid, and octopuses.31
* Bivalves: These constitute the majority of the mollusk catch, with approximately three million metric tons harvested annually. Many species, such as oysters and various clams, are raised commercially through aquaculture or caught by offshore trawlers.2
* Gastropods: Marine snails like abalones and periwinkles are widely consumed, while land snails are raised on farms or collected for culinary use, such as escargot.4
* Cephalopods: Squid and octopuses are particularly popular seafood in the Far East and Mediterranean countries.3

Beyond food, mollusks support industries through the harvest of shells for ornaments, jewelry, and the production of pearls and mother-of-pearl.52