Top Little Skate Fishing Countries

The little skate (*Leucoraja erinacea*) is a small, bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish found primarily in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. This species is notable for its modest size and preference for sandy or muddy sea floors in shallow coastal waters. Little skates are mainly targeted as bycatch in groundfish and scallop trawl fisheries, rather than being a primary target species. The top countries involved in the harvesting of little skate are the United States and Canada, particularly within the waters of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. While the commercial value of little skate is relatively low compared to other skates and rays, it is sometimes processed into bait or, less commonly, for human consumption (such as in skate wings). The fishing industry for this species is closely managed in both the U.S. and Canada to prevent overexploitation, with quotas and bycatch regulations in place.

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