The Portuguese sole (Synaptura lusitanica) is a demersal flatfish found primarily along the eastern Atlantic coasts, from Portugal and Spain down to West Africa. This species is valued for its delicate flesh and is commonly targeted by trawl and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting Portuguese sole are Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, where it is both consumed locally and exported. In these nations, the fishing industry for Portuguese sole is a mix of small-scale coastal operations and larger commercial trawlers, with Portugal and Spain having long-standing traditions of flatfish fishing. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as overfishing and habitat degradation have impacted stocks in some areas, prompting regulatory measures to ensure the species’ long-term viability.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 12 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.