Top Common Stingray Fishing Countries

The common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) is a demersal cartilaginous fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the Black Sea. Recognizable by its flattened, diamond-shaped body and long, venomous tail spine, the common stingray is typically found in sandy or muddy coastal waters. While not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries, it is caught as bycatch and sometimes targeted by small-scale and artisanal fisheries for its meat and cartilage. The top countries involved in harvesting common stingrays include Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, where the species is landed both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, export. In these regions, stingrays are often sold fresh in local markets, and their capture is regulated to varying degrees to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable populations.

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