Top Common Sole Fishing Countries

The common sole (Solea solea) is a highly valued flatfish species native to the eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Senegal, and is especially abundant in the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Prized for its delicate flavor and firm white flesh, it is a staple in European cuisine and a target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top common sole fishing countries include the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, all of which have long-established fishing industries that harvest this species using methods such as beam trawling and gillnetting. These countries manage their common sole stocks under strict European Union regulations to ensure sustainability, with annual quotas and size limits. The common sole fishery is economically significant, particularly for coastal communities, and is closely monitored to balance commercial demand with conservation efforts.

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