The pelagic stingray (*Pteroplatytrygon violacea*) is a widely distributed species found in warm and temperate oceans worldwide, notable for its diamond-shaped body and long, whip-like tail. Unlike many stingrays that dwell near the seabed, the pelagic stingray inhabits open ocean waters, often near the surface. It is frequently caught as bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish, especially in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. The countries most involved in harvesting pelagic stingrays—either intentionally or as bycatch—include Spain, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, all of which operate large-scale longline fleets. While not a primary target species, pelagic stingrays are sometimes retained for their meat and cartilage, but are more often discarded, raising concerns about their conservation status due to high bycatch mortality in these major fishing nations.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.