The whiteleg skate (Bathyraja albomaculata) is a demersal cartilaginous fish found primarily in the cold waters of the Southwest Atlantic, particularly around the Patagonian Shelf off the coasts of Argentina and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Characterized by its broad, flattened body and distinctive white spots, the whiteleg skate is targeted mainly as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries, although it is sometimes retained for its meat and export value. Argentina is the leading country in harvesting whiteleg skate, with its robust fishing fleet operating in the productive waters of the South Atlantic. The Falkland Islands also contribute significantly to the catch, benefiting from well-managed fisheries that monitor skate populations. The fishing industry for this species is closely regulated due to concerns about overfishing and the skate’s slow reproductive rate, with both Argentina and the Falklands implementing measures to ensure sustainable harvests.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 9 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.