Common eagle ray populations in Europe may differ from populations elsewhere and a systematic review of the species in these areas is required. Common Eagle Ray appears to be less common in the Mediterranean Sea and possibly the eastern Atlantic. Time series data from demersal fishery landings and demersal trawl surveys show that this species declined in the Gulf of Lions, northwestern Mediterranean Sea, in the late1970s. It was recorded in low numbers during northern Mediterranean-wide trawl surveys from 1994–1999, and is still sometimes observed on fish markets. Few data are currently available to assess trends in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea, but given that fishing pressure is high throughout this species’ bathymetric range there, declines are also likely to have occurred elsewhere. This species is assessed as Near Threatened in the Mediterranean Sea. Further investigation of catch trends in the southern Mediterranean is required and with further information this species may prove to meet the criteria for Vulnerable A2bd+A3bd. No data are currently available from the eastern central Atlantic, but this species is presumably taken in coastal artisanal fisheries along the coast of western Africa and investigation of the species’ status in this area is a priority. Off southern Africa, it only rarely taken as bycatch and is not subjected to great fishing mortality. Available time series data on catches of this species from 1981–2001 showed no trend, and the species is assessed as Least Concern in southern Africa. The lack of data on catches and population trends throughout the species’ range and uncertain taxonomic status of populations in Europe and southern Africa precludes a global assessment beyond Data Deficient at present. This assessment should be revisited when these issues are better resolved.