The deep-water sole, primarily referring to species such as the black sole (Solea spp.) and other deep-dwelling flatfish like the common sole (Solea solea), is a prized catch for its delicate flavor and firm texture. These demersal fish inhabit the continental slopes and deep offshore waters of the Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Pacific. The leading countries in deep-water sole fishing include Spain, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, all of which maintain robust fleets targeting these species, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic. These nations have developed sophisticated trawling methods to harvest sole from deeper waters, and their catches are significant contributors to both domestic consumption and export markets. The deep-water sole fishery is tightly regulated by the European Union and national governments to ensure sustainability, as these species are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.