The Sand Weakfish (Cynoscion arenarius), also known as the sand seatrout, is a coastal marine fish found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States. Characterized by its elongated, silver body and weak jaw structure, this species is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its mild flavor and abundance in shallow coastal waters. The top countries harvesting Sand Weakfish are the United States and Mexico, where the species is commonly caught using gillnets, trawls, and hook-and-line methods. In these countries, Sand Weakfish supports local economies, especially in the Gulf Coast regions, and is often sold fresh or used as bait for larger game fish. While not a major global export, the fish is regionally significant, with management measures in place to ensure sustainable harvests and maintain healthy populations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Mexico | 233 |
2 | United States of America | 14 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.