The network sole (Synaptura cadenati), a member of the Soleidae family, is a demersal flatfish found primarily along the West African coast, from Morocco to Angola. This species is valued for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh and is an important target for both artisanal and industrial fisheries in the region. The top network sole fishing countries include Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Angola, where the species is caught using trawls and gillnets, often as part of mixed-species fisheries. These countries have developed substantial fishing industries around demersal resources like the network sole, supplying both local markets and, to a lesser extent, international trade. However, concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have led to increased attention on sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term viability of network sole stocks in these productive West African waters.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.