The blackchin guitarfish (*Glaucostegus cemiculus*) is a cartilaginous fish found in the eastern Atlantic, from Portugal to Angola, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Recognizable by its guitar-shaped body and distinctive dark coloration under the chin, this species inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries. The blackchin guitarfish is primarily targeted for its meat, fins (used in shark fin soup), and sometimes for local consumption or export. Major fishing countries include Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and other West African nations, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries account for most of the catch. In the Mediterranean, countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Italy also record landings, though often as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. Overfishing and habitat loss have led to dramatic population declines, resulting in the species being listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, and prompting calls for stricter management and conservation efforts in these key fishing nations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Congo | 19 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.