Oysters and Scallops both are economically important as a food source. They are each harvested in costal areas and distributed all over. Scallops are harvested for their one large central adductor muscle which they use to open and close their shells. This circular piece of meat is eaten globally, but can often be imitated by shark punches which is when shark meat can be cut into pieces to mock scallop meat. Oysters are harvested for their internal mass. People do nut consume their muscles, but their body meat. Oyster meat is usually an orange like color or a creamy brown color. They are also eaten commonly all over the world.

Oysters and Scallops are also economically important because of their shells. Scallop shells are sold for the decorative patterns on their external side. Oysters are sold for the shiny surface of the internal side of their shell. These shells are used in the creation of jewelry and other decorative pieces.

Oysters are also economically important due to their ability to create pearls. This happens when a small irritating substance gets into the oysters shell. In response to this irritation the oyster secretes nacre, a combination of calcium and protein, in order to coat the particle. After a while this particle will be layered with this nacre substance and become a pearl.

Oysters and Scallops can also be dangerous during consumption. People can get ill or even at an extreme experience paralysis from poorly cared for Oysters and Scallops. Usually these animals get contaminated during distribution. As the animals are being moved around they are frozen and unfrozen a few times. If this process of heating and freezing is not done properly then bacteria can grow in the organisms and once they are consumed they can cause numerous health problems.