ENDANGERED fish are returning to Scottish waters, a groundbreaking university study has found.
The study commissioned by NatureScot and conducted by Heriot Watt University, shows evidence that critically endangered fish, the flapper skates, are returning to waters across the west coast of Scotland.
The report further specifies the fish are being most frequently found around the Isles of Rum and Skye, and parts of Shetland.
Flapper skates — the largest skate in Europe — have been on the critically endangered list for the last 20 years and have been illegal to catch in Scotland since 2009. They mature at around 15 years of age and produce eggs that take over a year to incubate.
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“The research is a bright point, but flapper skate are just beginning their recovery," Jane Dodd, NatureScot’s elasmobranch specialist said, adding: "They may now be common again in some areas, but they are far from restored to their historical range.
“We are committed to continue to work with fishers to develop best practice to reduce flapper skate bycatch and maximise survival following release. Collaboration is essential to deliver the release of particularly large flapper skate while maintaining the safety of fishers, especially as continued skate recovery could lead to even more encounters over a wider area.”
A previous study published in 2024 and conducted by Marine Directorate Science, Evidence, Data and Digital found that the number of flapper skates had increased in the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marina Protected Area (MPA) compared to outside of the area.
Local fishers have seen a significant increase in sightings in the last four years, with some having daily glimpses, both studies created this to the law passed in 2009 and more recently, designation and management of the Lock Sunart to the Sound of Jura, Red Rocks and Longay MPA has increased the protection of flapper skates and their eggs.
Members of the public have been asked to partake in the study by uploading any spotting of the flapper skate in Scotland to the Skatespotter app, helping to keep the tracking information and how well the skates are doing up to date.
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