The population of spotted ray in the North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Eastern English Channel is considered underfished and harvested sustainably. However, spotted ray is a vulnerable species and management needs to be more precautionary. The joint TAC in place is not a suitable management method. Otter trawling is likely to cause some damage to the seabed. Bycatch is moderate and may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated January 2026.

The population of spotted ray in the North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Eastern English Channel is considered underfished and harvested sustainably. However, spotted ray is a vulnerable species and management needs to be more precautionary. The joint TAC in place is not a suitable management method. Beam trawls have significant impact on the seabed, including damage to benthic communities and vulnerable marine habitats. Bycatch can be high and may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated January 2026.

Spotted ray in the Celtic Seas area is data limited, with low resilience to fishing pressure. However, there is currently no concern for fishing pressure or biomass. Spotted ray is a vulnerable species and management needs to be more precautionary. The joint TAC in place is not a suitable management method. Otter trawling is likely to cause some damage to the seabed. Bycatch is moderate and may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated January 2026.

There is no concern for biomass of spotted ray in the Southern Celtic Seas, and no concern for fishing pressure. There is no management plan for skates and rays and the joint TAC has been deemed an unsuitable method for protecting individual species. However, in this area, the North Devon Fishermen's Association have implemented some management measures to help conserve stocks. Otter trawling is likely to cause some damage to the seabed. Bycatch is moderate and may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated January 2023.

There is no concern for biomass of spotted ray in the Southern Celtic Seas, and no concern for fishing pressure. There is no management plan for skates and rays and the joint TAC has been deemed an unsuitable method for protecting individual species. However, in this area, the North Devon Fishermen's Association have implemented some management measures to help conserve stocks. Gillnets in this area can encounter bycatch of non-target fish, mammals and birds. This includes the harbour porpoise which is vulnerable in Europe.Rating last updated January 2023.

For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/spotted-ray.php

For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/spotted-ray.php

This stock is data limited. There is no concern for biomass and no concern for fishing pressure. There is currently no specific management plan in place for skates and rays in these waters. They are managed under a joint total allowable catch (TAC) for skates and rays which is not considered to be a suitable management method and better protection is needed. Demersal otter trawling is likely to cause some damage to the seabed and bycatch may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated October 2023.