The Homole crab, commonly known as the European spider crab (*Maja squinado*), is a large, spiny-shelled crustacean found primarily in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Renowned for its long legs and sweet, delicate meat, this species supports a significant commercial fishery. The top countries engaged in Homole crab fishing are Spain, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, where the crabs are harvested using pots, traps, and sometimes trawling. Spain and France, in particular, have well-established fisheries and export much of their catch to other European markets. The industry is vital to coastal communities, providing both employment and a prized seafood delicacy, but it is also regulated to ensure sustainable stocks due to concerns over overfishing and habitat impact.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.