Top Common Eagle Ray Fishing Countries

The Common Eagle Ray (Myliobatis aquila) is a distinctive cartilaginous fish known for its broad, wing-like pectoral fins and long, whip-like tail, inhabiting coastal and continental shelf waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This species is often caught as bycatch in trawl, gillnet, and longline fisheries, rather than being the primary target. The top countries involved in the harvest of Common Eagle Ray include Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, where artisanal and commercial fisheries operate along extensive coastlines. In these regions, eagle rays are sometimes sold fresh in local markets, though their economic value is generally lower than that of more targeted species like groupers or sea breams. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to population declines, prompting increased attention to the management and conservation of eagle ray stocks, particularly within the Mediterranean basin.

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