The Spiny Butterfly Ray (*Gymnura altavela*) is a large, flat-bodied ray characterized by its broad, diamond-shaped pectoral fins and distinctive spiny tail. Found in warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean and western coast of Africa, this species is targeted primarily as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries rather than through directed fishing. The top countries harvesting Spiny Butterfly Rays include Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, where they are occasionally landed for local consumption and export, particularly in Mediterranean markets. The fishing industry for this species is relatively small compared to other commercial rays, but overfishing and habitat degradation have led to significant population declines, prompting conservation concerns and stricter management in some regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 28 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.