The sandfish (Holothuria scabra), a species of sea cucumber, is highly valued in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, particularly in dried form known as bêche-de-mer or trepang. This species inhabits shallow, sandy coastal areas and seagrass beds throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The top sandfish fishing countries are Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and India, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries play a significant role in local economies. Overharvesting due to high demand, especially from China and other East Asian markets, has led to population declines and stricter regulations in many regions. Some countries, such as Australia and Madagascar, have also developed sandfish aquaculture to supplement wild catch and support sustainable production.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.