Murray’s skate (Dipturus murrayi) is a deepwater cartilaginous fish found primarily in the southeastern Atlantic and southwestern Indian Oceans, notably off the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. Recognized by its flattened, diamond-shaped body and long tail, Murray’s skate inhabits continental slope regions at depths of 300–1,200 meters. The species is not a primary target for fisheries but is often caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl fisheries, especially those targeting hake and other demersal species. South Africa and Namibia are the top countries involved in the harvesting of Murray’s skate, largely due to their well-developed deep-sea trawl industries. While the skate’s commercial value is relatively low compared to more sought-after species, its incidental capture has raised concerns about population sustainability, prompting calls for better monitoring and management within these nations’ fishing sectors.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.