Top Eyespot Skate Fishing Countries

The Top Eyespot Skate (*Atlantoraja cyclophora*) is a species of cartilaginous fish found primarily along the southwestern Atlantic coast, particularly off Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Recognizable by the distinctive eyespot markings on its pectoral fins, this skate inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms on the continental shelf. The fishing industry targeting the Top Eyespot Skate is largely concentrated in Argentina and Uruguay, where it is caught as both a targeted species and as bycatch in trawl fisheries. These countries have historically been the primary harvesters due to the species' abundance in their coastal waters, with the catch often processed for local consumption and export. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to concerns about population declines, prompting increased management efforts in recent years to ensure the sustainability of the Top Eyespot Skate fisheries.

RankCountryMetric Tons

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