Top Arctic Skate Fishing Countries

The Arctic skate (*Amblyraja hyperborea*) is a cold-water species found in deep, frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Characterized by its flattened body and broad pectoral fins, it thrives at depths ranging from 140 to over 2,500 meters. The primary countries involved in harvesting Arctic skate are Norway, Russia, Iceland, and Greenland, where deep-sea trawling and longlining are the main fishing methods. These nations target the species both as a direct catch and as bycatch in fisheries for other demersal fish such as cod and Greenland halibut. While not a major commercial species compared to others, Arctic skate is valued for its meat and is processed for local consumption and export. Due to its slow growth and low reproductive rate, careful management is necessary to prevent overfishing, with several countries implementing quotas and monitoring to ensure sustainability.

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