Shagreen skate, Fuller’s ray
Shagreen ray is a medium-sized ray with a diamond-shaped body and a rough, prickly skin texture that gives the species its name. Its upper surface is usually brown or grey-brown with darker markings, while the underside is pale. Like other rays, it has broad wing-like fins and firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour.
Shagreen ray inhabits sandy, muddy, and gravel seabeds throughout the northeast Atlantic, from the waters around the British Isles to parts of western Europe and the Mediterranean. In UK waters, it is relatively uncommon but is occasionally encountered in the deeper waters of the Celtic Sea and western English Channel, where it is landed as part of mixed demersal fisheries.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Shagreen ray is considered vulnerable due to its relatively low abundance and slow reproductive rate. Stock information is limited, making careful management essential.
Best Choice: Shagreen ray landed as part of well-managed fisheries with accurate reporting, species identification, and effective stock management.
Avoid: Targeted fisheries or catches from areas with poor stock monitoring and limited conservation measures.
Culinary Uses
Shagreen ray is typically prepared in the same way as other ray species.
The wings provide firm, boneless meat that is ideal for poaching, pan-frying, or baking.
Often served with butter, capers, and lemon.
Its mild flavour works well with both traditional and contemporary seafood dishes.
Best Fishing Practices
Most shagreen ray are caught as bycatch in mixed demersal fisheries.
Accurate species identification and reporting are important given the conservation concerns surrounding certain ray species.
Selective fishing methods and effective fisheries management help reduce pressure on vulnerable populations.
Seasonality
Available year-round, although landings are relatively uncommon due to the species' lower abundance.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
When sourced from well-managed fisheries, shagreen ray can be a responsible seafood choice. Supporting fisheries that prioritise accurate species reporting, sustainable fishing practices, and effective conservation measures helps improve understanding of ray populations and contributes to the long-term protection of these distinctive fish.
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