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Skate

Sushi name(s): None
Skate

Skate

At a glance

Eco-rating Mercury Omega-3s
+-Longnose skate (US)
Best
Low

Many species of skate (which are closely related to sharks) around the world are threatened. This is because of severe overfishing, low reproductive rates, and a poor understanding of their biology. However the skates caught off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington are in much better shape thanks to a new type of management program, which has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.
+-Skate (Atlantic)
OK
Moderate

MORE ABOUT SKATE

The winter skate grows to over 3 feet (0.9 meter) in length and prefers gravelly and sandy bottoms in shallower northern waters. The stock isn't overfished, but it is often misidentified so precise fishing levels are unknown. It is often caught with other species that are vulnerable to overfishing, and closed areas and gear modifications are used to reduce seafloor impacts.

Commercial Sources

Winter skate are found in the western North Atlantic, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to North Carolina.

The main source of winter skate is the United States.

Capture Methods

Winter skate come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with bottom trawls and gillnets. Additional types of fishing gear include hooks-and-lines.
+-Big skate
OK
Moderate

Many species of skate (which are closely related to sharks) around the world are threatened. This is because of severe overfishing, low reproductive rates, and a poor understanding of their biology. However the skates caught off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington are in much better shape thanks to a new type of management program, which has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.
+-California skate
OK
Moderate

Many species of skate (which are closely related to sharks) around the world are threatened. This is because of severe overfishing, low reproductive rates, and a poor understanding of their biology. However the skates caught off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington are in much better shape thanks to a new type of management program, which has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.
+-Longnose skate (Canada)
Worst
Low

Many species of skate (which are closely related to sharks) around the world are threatened. This is because of severe overfishing, low reproductive rates, and a poor understanding of their biology. However the skates caught off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington are in much better shape thanks to a new type of management program, which has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.

These ratings are provided in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, © 1999-2018 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Recommended servings per month

Contaminant Men Women Kids 6-12 Kids 0-5
Skate (Atlantic) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 3
Longnose skate (US) Mercury
Big skate Mercury
California skate Mercury
Longnose skate (Canada) Mercury

This chart shows how much can safely be eaten each MONTH (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury data. More on contaminants »

Eco details: 

Winter skates are a long-lived, slow-maturing species that have few offspring. Juvenile winter skates are often caught by accident, since they resemble the more abundant little skate. Overall, populations are depleted and skate management in the U.S. is in an early stage.