Our most pressing project is to search for potential Flapper Skate Nursery grounds.

Once grouped as the “common skate” with the Blue skate, this species has seen a devastating blow to its population. They have been rapidly declining over the past 60 years and steadily have disappeared from our oceans. Truly incomparably in size and grace, it is a devastating loss to the biodiversity of Ireland's marine reserve.

This Critically Endangered species is in desperate need of protection. Being the largest known skate species in the world, it is incredibly susceptible to overfishing. The Flapper skate also only produces a small number of egg cases a year. It’s long gestation period and high site fidelity makes it incredibly hard for this species population to bounce back without human intervention. Site discovery and protection is crucial for species survival. As Ireland has pledged to protect at least 30% of its waters by 2030 the discovery and protection of these nursery grounds will help achieve this goal.

There is hope yet! We have had recent reports of mature female Flapper skates in Irish waters and we believe that they may be active lay sights in our coastal areas. After speaking with researchers who have been studying the recently discovered nursery grounds found in the Orkney island in Scotland. They have helped us compose a list of specific site requirements for Flapper skates that have been applied to suitable locations near to our sightings in Irish waters. Working with our partners Seasearch Ireland, Scuba Dive West and local anglers we aim to begin survey dives of these sites. However, order for us to begin our research we need to reach our funding goal.  

If you would like to be involved in protecting this truly amazing fish and help put a stop to their extinction please help us achieve our funding goal so we can start our research. All our hard work to protect skates and rays worldwide wouldn’t be possible without your generosity!

Keep an eye on our social media and the news page to stay up to date with our research and see what the Ray Ladies are up to.