HARVEST, EXPORT, ECONOMIC, AND LEGAL STATUS OF LAND AND SEA SNAILS IN TURKIYE

Abstract

Turkiye (Turkey) includes distinct environmental conditions, including several types of temperate zones and abundant natural resources, and is a significant hub for the production, export, and regulatory issues of land and sea snails. Studies on species identification have shown that there are over 700 species of snails representing 36 families in Turkiye. The family Helicidae includes Eobania vermiculata, Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus, Theba pisana, Helix asemnis, Helix cincta, and Helix lucorum. In Turkiye, C. aspersum, H. cincta, and H. lucorum are the three most economically significant land snail species. The sea snail, Rapana venosa is also harvested. Snails are exported in various forms, such as live, cooked, frozen, canned, and empty shells. Despite snail meat being consumed in prehistoric times, it is only occasionally consumed in Turkiye. Thus, snails are processed in food processing facilities that meet the required standards for export. Consumption of snails is common in many nations throughout the world and, as Turkiye owns approximately 40% of the global snail market, it contributes significantly to the national exports to countries including those in the European Union, South America, the United States, Japan, and China, especially France, Italy, Germany, and Romania. Particularly in the land snail market, suppliers competing with Turkiye include Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Albania, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. An increasing trend has been noted in heliciculture in recent years. The sole species of sea snail exported from Turkiye is the Rapa whelk R. venosa, and it is typically sold processed (frozen, shelled, or unshelled). Since 2000, there have been variations in its production levels, but an upward trend has been noted. Between 2012 and 2021, R. venosa, the primary market for which is southeast Asian nations, was primarily exported from Turkiye to France (855.5 tons), South Korea (722.3 tons), the United States (630.9 tons), and Japan (462.9 tons). With an annual average production of 3,650.5 thousand tons of processed sea snails and an income of 26,562,520 (USD) from this production, Turkiye has the biggest market share among the other Black Sea nations. Finally, owing to their superior quality and flavor, edible snail species found in Turkiye are favored. Turkiye is thus one of the major exporting nations. Construction of processing facilities for snails is required, as is ensuring that the microbiological quality meets international regulations for human consumption, to boost production and market share. Improved legal standing is also necessary, e.g., there should be a general restriction on the scope and timing of collecting snails from nature. Scientific advice from subject-matter authorities should be sought to determine harvest regulations.