Top Small Eyed Ray Fishing Countries

The small-eyed ray (Raja microocellata), also known as the small-eyed skate, is a demersal elasmobranch found in the shallow coastal waters of the eastern North Atlantic, particularly from southern Ireland and the Bristol Channel down to the Bay of Biscay and northwestern Africa. Characterized by its broad, flattened body and distinctive small eyes, this species is targeted primarily by bottom trawl and gillnet fisheries. The United Kingdom, France, and Spain are among the top countries harvesting small-eyed rays, with the UK’s Bristol Channel fishery being especially notable for both commercial and recreational catches. These countries’ fishing industries value the small-eyed ray for its firm, white flesh, which is marketed fresh or processed. However, due to its limited range and vulnerability to overfishing, small-eyed ray stocks are closely monitored, and management measures are in place in several regions to promote sustainable harvests.

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