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Shellfish

Shellfish is a term used to describe a variety of aquatic invertebrates that have a shell or hard exoskeleton, including crustaceans (e.g. shrimp, lobster, crab), mollusks (e.g. oysters, clams, mussels, scallops), and cephalopods (e.g. octopus, squid). These creatures are often found in both freshwater and saltwater environments and are commonly harvested for human consumption. Shellfish are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but can also pose a risk of foodborne illness if not handled and cooked properly.

The market scope for shellfish is significant and continues to grow. Shellfish are popular and sought-after seafood items around the world, and the demand for them has been increasing steadily in recent years.

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global shellfish market was valued at $23.4 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $29.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2020 to 2027

The increasing popularity of shellfish can be attributed to various factors, such as their nutritional value, unique taste, and versatility in cooking. Additionally, the growing awareness of the health benefits associated with consuming seafood, including shellfish, has contributed to the increased demand.

The market for shellfish is also influenced by various factors such as changes in consumer preferences, regulations related to fishing and harvesting, and environmental factors. However, with technological advancements and improved fishing practices, the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

The major players in the Market for Shellfish are as follows:

a) Clearwater Seafoods

b) Thai Union Group

c) Maruha Nichiro Corporation

d) Mowi ASA

e) High Liner Foods

f) East Coast Seafood Group

g) Lerøy Seafood Group

Commercial production of shellfish involves the cultivation of various species of mollusks and crustaceans for food consumption. Here are the general steps involved in the commercial production of shellfish:

a) Site Selection: The first step in the commercial production of shellfish is selecting the right site for cultivation. Factors such as water quality, temperature, salinity, and availability of suitable substrate are important considerations.

b) Seed Collection: After site selection, seed collection is done. In some cases, the wild seed is collected from the ocean, while in other cases, the hatchery-reared seed is used.

c) Nursery and Grow-Out: Once the seed has been collected, it is placed in nursery areas to grow into a larger size before being transferred to grow-out areas. In grown-out areas, shellfish are cultivated in bags, nets, trays, or cages until they reach harvest size.

d) Harvesting: Harvesting is typically done by hand, using rakes or tongs to gather the mature shellfish. In some cases, mechanical harvesting is also used.

e) Processing and Distribution: After harvesting, shellfish are cleaned, sorted, graded, and packaged for distribution to various markets. Depending on the species, some shellfish are shipped live, while others are shucked and sold in various forms such as fresh, frozen, canned, or smoked.

f) Marketing: Finally, shellfish are marketed to consumers through various channels, including wholesale markets, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Commercial production of shellfish requires careful management of water quality, disease prevention, and environmental sustainability to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.