Scientists measure a common or flapper skate before releasing it. Below: skipper Ronnie Campbell photographing skate.
Photographs: Jane Dodd/SNH.
Scientists at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) at Dunstaff nage are calling on Scotland’s anglers to help save one of the largest and rarest creatures in British waters.
The common or flapper skate can grow more than two metres in length and weigh more than 90kgs but, despite its name, the fish is classified as critically endangered – making it more at risk of extinction than the giant panda. Anglers throughout Scotland are being encouraged by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the scientists at SAMS to send any photographs of common skate to Skatespotter, a new online catalogue.