Top Starry Ray Fishing Countries

The starry ray (Amblyraja radiata), also known as the starry skate, is a bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish found primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean, including the waters off northern Europe and eastern North America. Characterized by its distinctive star-shaped patterns on the dorsal side, the starry ray inhabits cold, deep waters and is typically caught as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries targeting other demersal species. The leading countries involved in the harvesting of starry ray include Norway, Iceland, Russia, and the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland. These nations have established fishing industries that target a variety of skates and rays, with the starry ray being valued for its meat, which is often sold fresh or processed. Due to concerns about overfishing and the species’ slow reproductive rate, several countries have implemented management measures and catch limits to ensure sustainable exploitation of starry ray populations.

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