Boost your health with the nutrient rich thornback ray | Seafish

Boost your health with the nutrient rich thornback ray

Seafish and north-west of England seafood industry team up to encourage rest of the UK to put catch back on the plate



We are partnering with the fishing industry in the north-west of England to promote the health benefits of the thornback ray. 

The partnership is the most recent Seafood for Life initiative between ourselves and the seafood industry, aimed at sharing positive stories about fish and shellfish. 

Thornback ray is a species commonly found in UK waters and is an important fishery in the north-west of England. 

The thornback ray is prominent off the north-west of England and the seafood industry there wants the rest of the UK to enjoy it as much as they do.

Despite being high in protein and omega-3 and low in fat, sugars, saturates and salt, consumption levels have declined over the years so ourselves and the seafood industry in the north-west want to share more widely the benefits that thornback ray provides; it’s sustainable, has excellent health credentials, is very good value so a great option when eating at home or your local restaurant. 

A freshly-caught thornback ray sitting on an orange tray filled with ice.
The seafood industry in the north-west of England is partnering with Seafish to share messaging about the benefits of eating thornback ray.

The campaign has been developed with the support of renowned chef CJ Jackson and at its heart is a short ‘catch to plate’ film which takes viewers on a journey through the fishing and culinary preparation of the thornback ray. 

The thornback ray represents an opportunity to enjoy delicious seafood while supporting the north-west of England, an area with a rich fishing heritage.
This campaign highlights the health benefits of the thornback ray, the importance of the species to the north-west and celebrates the seafood industry in that part of the UK.
Aoife Martin, Operations Director at Seafish

Chef CJ’s expertise is showcased in the campaign’s film where she demonstrates how to prepare and cook the thornback ray into a delicious dish. 

A chef holding a knife prepares thornback ray on a blue chopping board in a kitchen,
Renowned chef CJ Jackson followed the ray's journey from catch to plate, developing a delicious and nutritious meal.
The thornback ray is a truly versatile fish that lends itself beautifully to a range of dishes.
It’s an ideal choice for home cooks looking to experiment with something new and nutritious.
Chef, CJ Jackson

As a source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals, the thornback ray aligns with the growing demand for nutritious and health-conscious food choices. 

A man with glasses perched on his head focuses on something off camera.
Patrick Hayton of Midland Fish Company Limited believes the thornback ray is an "underrated and sustainable" species.
Working with Seafish and CJ has given us the opportunity to show the boat to plate process of such an underrated, sustainable species.
The importance of this is not to be underestimated as it can transform the north-west inshore fleet, securing its future fishing.
The Seafood for Life industry reputation initiative champions the benefits of fish and shellfish while celebrating industry best practice.
Patrick Hayton, manager at Midland Fish Company Limited.

Our thornback ray film and recipes and cooking tips on skate and rays can be found via the links below: