Top Senegalese Sole Fishing Countries

The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a flatfish species native to the eastern Atlantic, ranging from the Bay of Biscay down to Senegal, and is prized for its delicate flavor and high market value. This species inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in coastal waters, where it is targeted by both artisanal and industrial fisheries. The top countries harvesting Senegalese sole are Spain and Portugal, which have well-developed trawl and gillnet fisheries in the Atlantic, particularly off the coasts of the Iberian Peninsula and in the Gulf of Cadiz. Morocco and Mauritania also play significant roles, with their fleets operating in the rich fishing grounds of Northwest Africa. These countries export much of their catch to European markets, where Senegalese sole is highly sought after, supporting both local economies and international seafood trade.

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