Longnose skate is a species of ray that lives in the north-eastern Pacific ocean from the Aleutian Islands to Baja California. This species is rarely seen in commerical landings south of Point Conception, however.

Skate spend most of their lives buried in sandy bottom seafloor habitat up to their eyes, patiently waiting for their prey and avoidng predators of their own. Skate are closely related to sharks, and like sharks they don't actually have any bones, just hardened cartiladge.

Culinary Tips: Don't be daunted by skate's odd appearance, it is easy to cook, mild tasting, and has been a French staple forever. Treat it like a sole or flounder fillet, so gently baking or pan-frying in browned butter with a lemon caper sauce, are perfect preparations.

Catch Method: Bottom Trawl or Hook and Line (either way, it is usually bycatch)

Sustainabiltiy: The longnose skate we source is typically bycatch from sustainable rockfish fisheries, or from the California Halibut fishery (rated as Best Choice and Good Alternative, resepctively). The longnose skate fishery itself is abundant and management is considered effective.

- MBA Seafood Watch Rating: Best Choice

- NOAA Fish Stock Sustainability Index: 4 out of 4