Top Sandy Ray Fishing Countries

The sandy ray (Leucoraja circularis) is a demersal cartilaginous fish found primarily in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, favoring sandy or muddy seabeds at depths ranging from 50 to 800 meters. Characterized by its rounded pectoral fins and sandy coloration, this species is valued for its meat, particularly in European markets. The top countries involved in sandy ray fishing are the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal, where the species is caught as both a targeted catch and as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. These nations have established fishing industries with long histories of harvesting various skates and rays, though the sandy ray is considered vulnerable due to its slow reproductive rate and localized populations. As a result, fisheries management measures, such as quotas and landing restrictions, have been implemented in the European Union to help ensure the sustainability of sandy ray stocks.

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