There are six main species of shellfish of commercial importance within the UK (mussels, flat oysters, cockles, king scallops, Manila clams and lobsters) which can be thought of as ranched to varying degrees. A seventh (Pacific oysters) can be included, since a very small proportion of the production may undergo a period of growth on natural habitats in some areas. An eighth species (Palourdes or native clams) appeared in the statistics for the first time in a number of years in 1998. Seafish, as part of its role in promoting the sustainable management of resources, has examined the current state of the shellfish aquaculture industry in the UK.
