Top Blue Skate Fishing Countries

The blue skate (*Dipturus batis*), also known as the blue ray, is a large species of cartilaginous fish found primarily in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the coasts of the British Isles, France, and the waters off Norway and Iceland. Historically abundant, blue skate populations have suffered significant declines due to overfishing and bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries targeting other demersal species. The main countries involved in blue skate fishing have been the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and, to a lesser extent, Norway and Spain. However, due to its vulnerable status and inclusion on various conservation lists, targeted fishing of blue skate is now heavily restricted or prohibited in many regions, and much of the catch is incidental. Despite these restrictions, some blue skate are still landed, primarily as bycatch, and efforts are ongoing to improve species identification and reporting to aid in the recovery of this once-common skate.

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