Top Thickback Sole Fishing Countries

The Thickback Sole (*Microchirus variegatus*) is a demersal flatfish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, inhabiting sandy and muddy seabeds at depths ranging from 20 to 300 meters. Recognized for its relatively thick body compared to other sole species, the Thickback Sole is valued for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh. The main countries engaged in the commercial harvest of Thickback Sole are Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, where it is often caught as part of mixed trawl fisheries targeting various flatfish species. These nations have well-established fishing industries with fleets operating in both coastal and deeper offshore waters, supplying local markets and, to a lesser extent, exporting to neighboring European countries. Sustainable management and quota systems are increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of Thickback Sole stocks.

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