Top Dover Sole Fishing Countries

The Dover sole (Solea solea) is a prized flatfish native to the eastern North Atlantic, particularly valued for its delicate flavor and firm texture in European cuisine. The top countries harvesting Dover sole are primarily found in Western Europe, with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium leading the industry. These nations have a long history of targeting Dover sole using beam trawling and other demersal fishing methods, especially in the North Sea and the English Channel, where the species is most abundant. The fishing industry for Dover sole is highly regulated to ensure sustainability, given its economic importance and high demand in gourmet markets. The Netherlands and the UK, in particular, are known for their advanced fishing fleets and significant export markets for this species.

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