The Mazatlan sole (Syacium ovale), a flatfish species native to the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America, is prized for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh. This species inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, making it accessible to artisanal and commercial fisheries. The primary countries harvesting Mazatlan sole are Mexico—particularly along the Sinaloa and Nayarit coasts—and, to a lesser extent, Guatemala and El Salvador. In these regions, the fishing industry relies on small-scale trawlers and gillnets, with landings supporting both local consumption and export markets. Mexico stands out as the top producer, with Mazatlan itself serving as a key fishing port and processing hub, reflecting the species’ economic and culinary importance in the region.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.