A BSAC’s diver’s stunning video of a flapper skate off the north east coast of Scotland has contributed to a citizen science project’s understanding of the critically endangered elasmobranch.
James MacDonald, a member of Burghead SAC, was diving near the fishing village of Findochty in the Moray Firth with his buddy Kenny Munro in around 10m of water when the elusive skate came into view. A species of elasmobranch (along with sharks and rays), the flapper skate can grow up to 2.5m long, making it one of the largest skates in the world.
Describing the experience as a ‘privilege’, James said it was the look of surprise on his buddy’s face that prompted him to start filming. He said:
The skate was initially spotted by Kenny and when I saw his reaction, I knew he was clearly excited about something so I turned around and captured the footage.
The encounter was the first time James had seen a flapper skate, which has been designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘critically endangered’ due to overexploitation.
Returning to his club with the footage, James and his Burghead’s Marine Champion Kerry Fraser have since reported the sighting to the environmental group, Shark and Skate Citizen Science Scotland. James added:
I believe another flapper skate or possibly the same was sighted the following day off the coast of Cullen, so this could be a good sign that they are returning.
Dr Lauren Smith, who set up the Shark and Skate Citizen Science Scotland group, said that the footage was a good example of how divers can directly contribute to the understanding and protection of the vulnerable species:
The flapper skate is still listed critically endangered but there is encouraging evidence to suggest localised population numbers are increasing. This is thanks to a commercial fishing ban back in 2009 as well as the catch and release policy for anglers and the protection of egg-laying sites too. However as they are large and slow growing, it will take a while for flapper skate population numbers to reach their former range.
James’ sighting of the Findochty flapper skate has also been reported to the Shark Trust’s shark citizen science project and will now be included in their international database.
Interested in helping the marine environment through citizen science?
Become a Marine Champion for your club! For more information and to register, go to bsac.com/marinechampions
