The sand crab, also known as the mole crab (Emerita spp.), is a small, burrowing crustacean commonly found in the intertidal zones of sandy beaches worldwide. These crabs are prized as bait in recreational fishing and, in some regions, are harvested for human consumption. The top sand crab fishing countries include the United States, particularly along the Pacific coast of California, Mexico, Brazil, and several Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines and Thailand. In the U.S. and Mexico, sand crabs are mostly collected for bait, supporting local recreational and small-scale commercial fisheries. In Brazil and Southeast Asia, sand crabs are also consumed as a delicacy, with local communities engaging in both hand-gathering and small-scale netting. While the sand crab fishery is generally considered sustainable due to the species’ high reproductive rate, localized overharvesting and habitat disturbance can pose risks, prompting some regions to implement regulations on collection methods and seasonal closures.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.