Top European Plaice Fishing Countries

The European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is a flatfish species native to the Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, recognized by its smooth brown skin dotted with distinctive orange spots. It is a commercially valuable demersal fish, highly prized for its mild, delicate flavor and is a staple in European seafood cuisine. The top European plaice fishing countries are the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, which collectively account for the majority of landings. These countries operate large-scale trawl and beam trawl fisheries, primarily in the North Sea and adjacent waters. The industry is tightly regulated through EU quotas and management plans to ensure sustainability, as plaice stocks have historically faced overfishing pressures. Today, improved management and selective fishing gear have helped stabilize populations, allowing these nations to continue harvesting plaice while supporting both local economies and marine ecosystems.

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