The top rough skate fishing countries are primarily located in the Northeast Atlantic, with the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal leading in the harvest of this species. The rough skate (Raja radula) is a demersal cartilaginous fish found mainly on continental shelves and slopes, favoring sandy or muddy seabeds. It is characterized by its flattened body and rough, spiny skin. This species is typically caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries targeting other demersal fish, although it is also directly targeted in some regions for its meat, which is popular in local cuisines. The fishing industry for rough skate is largely artisanal and small-scale, with landings reported in Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic ports. Due to concerns about overfishing and declining populations, several countries have implemented management measures, including catch limits and protected areas, to ensure the sustainability of rough skate stocks.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 932 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.