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Which crustaceans and mollusks are harvested by commercial fisheries?

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A worker in dark clothing inspects large frozen tuna lined up on the floor at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan, using a tool to check the fish. — commercial fishing Worker in the Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo.

Commercial fisheries harvest a wide variety of crustaceans and mollusks, which are vital components of the global seafood industry.12

Crustaceans

The most commercially significant crustaceans are decapods, which are valued as food sources worldwide. Key species include:3
* Shrimp and Prawns: Major genera include Crangon, Palaemon, and Penaeus.1
* Lobsters: Highly prized species include the American lobster, the Norway lobster (or scampi), and various spiny lobsters.13
* Crabs: Important commercial species include the king crab, Dungeness crab, blue crab, and the edible crab of Europe.134
* Other: Crayfish and certain barnacles are also harvested in specific regions.3

Mollusks

Mollusks represent a significant portion of the total marine catch, with bivalves being the most prominent category.5
* Bivalves: Oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams are the most widely harvested and cultivated groups.15
* Gastropods: Species such as abalone, whelk, and conch are also marketed.1
* Cephalopods: Squid and octopuses are also targeted by commercial fisheries.2

Sustainable management is essential to protect these populations, as overfishing and the use of non-selective gear like bottom trawls pose significant threats to aquatic biodiversity.2