Top Sailray Fishing Countries

The topsail ray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea), also known as the pelagic stingray, is a widely distributed species found in warm and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Recognized for its distinctive long, sail-like dorsal fin, this ray is typically caught as bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish, rather than being a primary target species. Major fishing nations that incidentally harvest the topsail ray include Japan, Spain, Taiwan, and the United States, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While not a significant target for commercial fisheries, the topsail ray's presence in bycatch has raised concerns about its population status and the need for sustainable fishing practices in these regions.

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