The Top Netted Nassa (Nassarius spp.), commonly known as nassa mud snails, are small marine gastropods found in sandy and muddy coastal environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. These snails are valued for their role in local seafood markets and are often harvested for food, bait, and occasionally for ornamental shell trade. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvesting of Top Netted Nassa include China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, where traditional and small-scale fisheries dominate the industry. In these countries, nassa snails are collected using handpicking, dredging, and small nets, supporting coastal livelihoods and local economies. The demand for nassa snails is driven by their culinary use in regional dishes and their importance as bait in other fisheries, making them a significant resource in Southeast Asian coastal communities.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.