The shore rockling (Gaidropsarus mediterraneus) is a slender, elongated fish found primarily along the rocky coasts of the eastern Atlantic, from Norway and the British Isles down to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Recognizable by its three dorsal fins and barbels on its chin, the shore rockling is typically a small species, rarely exceeding 30 cm in length. While not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries, it is caught incidentally in mixed-species coastal fisheries and is occasionally sought after by recreational anglers, particularly in the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. These countries, with their extensive rocky shorelines and active angling communities, are among the top nations where shore rockling is harvested. The species is valued locally for its delicate flesh, though its economic importance is minor compared to larger groundfish species. Nonetheless, the shore rockling contributes to the biodiversity and traditional fishing practices of these coastal regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.