The New Zealand smooth skate (*Dipturus innominatus*) is a large demersal ray species endemic to the waters around New Zealand, often found on continental shelves and slopes at depths ranging from 15 to over 1,200 meters. Characterized by its smooth skin and broad, diamond-shaped body, this skate is a significant component of New Zealand’s deepwater fisheries. The primary country harvesting the New Zealand smooth skate is New Zealand itself, where it is caught mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting hoki, ling, and other deepwater species. While New Zealand dominates the commercial harvest due to the species’ restricted range, some skate products may be exported to countries such as Australia and various Asian markets, where skate wings are valued as seafood. The fishing industry in New Zealand is regulated to ensure sustainable harvests, with quotas and management plans in place to monitor and protect skate populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 561 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.