Top Sand Steenbras Fishing Countries

The Top Sand Steenbras (*Lithognathus mormyrus*), also known as the striped seabream, is a coastal marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the western Indian Ocean. Recognizable by its elongated body and distinctive vertical stripes, this species inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms, often in shallow waters. The main countries involved in the commercial and recreational harvest of sand steenbras include Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where the fish is highly valued for its delicate flavor and is commonly caught using trawl nets, longlines, and traditional handlines. The fishing industry for sand steenbras in these regions supports local economies, particularly in Mediterranean coastal communities, and the species is also popular in local markets and cuisine. Sustainable management practices are increasingly important to ensure the long-term viability of sand steenbras populations, given pressures from overfishing and habitat degradation in some areas.

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