Top Eagle Rays Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Eagle rays, belonging to the family Myliobatidae, are graceful cartilaginous fishes recognized for their broad, wing-like pectoral fins and distinctive spotted or patterned bodies. These rays inhabit warm and temperate coastal waters worldwide, often seen gliding near the surface or over sandy seabeds. While not as heavily targeted as other rays or sharks, eagle rays are caught in various artisanal and commercial fisheries, often as bycatch in trawl, gillnet, and longline operations. The top countries reporting significant catches of "eagle rays not elsewhere included" (a category used in FAO statistics for various eagle ray species) include Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where eagle rays are valued for their meat, cartilage, and sometimes their skins. In these regions, the fishing industry is typically small-scale and supports local consumption, though some products may enter export markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation are concerns, as eagle rays have slow reproductive rates, making them vulnerable to population declines.

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