Top Raja Rays Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Raja rays, commonly referred to as skates, are flat-bodied cartilaginous fishes found in temperate and cold waters worldwide, primarily inhabiting sandy or muddy sea bottoms. These species, grouped under "Not Elsewhere Included" (nei) in FAO statistics, encompass various Raja species not specified individually, reflecting the diversity and sometimes ambiguous identification in global catches. Raja rays are valued for their edible wings and are targeted by both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top fishing countries for Raja rays nei include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal, all of which have long-standing traditions of demersal trawl and gillnet fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. These nations supply both domestic and international markets, with Raja ray wings featured in local cuisines. However, the fishing industry faces sustainability concerns, as many Raja species are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and low reproductive rates, prompting the implementation of quotas and conservation measures in several regions.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.