Top Southern Stingray Fishing Countries

The southern stingray (*Hypanus americanus*) is a large, bottom-dwelling ray commonly found in the warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic, from New Jersey (USA) to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This species is characterized by its diamond-shaped, olive to brownish body and long, whip-like tail with venomous spines. Southern stingrays are primarily targeted as bycatch in shrimp trawl fisheries and are sometimes harvested for their meat, cartilage, and skin. The top countries involved in the fishing and incidental capture of southern stingrays include the United States (especially in the Gulf of Mexico), Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil. While not a primary commercial target, the species is increasingly utilized in local markets, and its populations are subject to pressure from both artisanal and industrial fisheries in these regions. Sustainable management is crucial, as stingrays play a significant ecological role in benthic environments.

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