Distribution and management of the critically endangered Flapper Skate, Dipturus intermedius

Given that the species and its critical habitats remain exposed to fishing pressure across most of its range, it has been recognised that additional conservation measures will be required to support its long-term recovery. However, a long history of taxonomic confusion has resulted in significant knowledge gaps on the flapper skate’s ecology, population genetics, and movements, which have hindered regional conservation action.

To support future conservation action, this thesis has addressed several critical knowledge gaps for the flapper skate and has developed comprehensive documentation to support MPA planning for the species. Chapter 2 collated all available, verifiable occurrence data for the flapper skate, to provide a validated map of species presence across the northeast Atlantic shelf region. Chapter 3 aimed to establish the wider benefits of spatial management measures for the flapper skate, by employing a panel of experts.

The findings were summarised in a comprehensive document that can be used to address stakeholder concerns in the MPA planning process. Chapter 4 involved an exhaustive analysis of available fisheries-independent data to model drivers of skate presence across its distribution and revealed core regions of skate presence that should be focused on for management efforts. By employing genetic sampling to validate fisheries-independent survey records, Chapter 5 provided the first insights into the distribution of juvenile flapper skate.

Chapter 6 developed a linear framework for data collection for large skate, which focused on the standardisation of methods and reportage across regions and encouraged cross-border collaboration. Finally, Chapter 7 outlined a conceptual cross-regional management plan for the species, as well as future priority research areas. Overall, this thesis addressed several critical knowledge gaps for the flapper skate and provides supporting information for conservation action in data-deficient regions.

The findings presented here are an important first step towards future monitoring and research for the species.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i>