Top Sand Smelt Fishing Countries

The top sand smelt fishing countries are predominantly found along the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic coasts, where the species is most abundant. The sand smelt (Atherina spp.), a small, slender, silver-colored fish, thrives in coastal and estuarine waters and is valued both as food and bait. Major harvesters include Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where traditional small-scale and artisanal fisheries use fine-meshed nets to catch sand smelt, often for local markets and seasonal delicacies. In these countries, sand smelt is a staple in regional cuisines, frequently fried or used in soups. While not a major global export commodity, sand smelt fisheries are important for local economies and cultural heritage, especially around the Mediterranean basin.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.