This Near Threatened species is thought to be in decline but still currently commercially targeted. It is pale in colour with numerous black spots.

In brief

• Large skate that reaches around 1 m in length.
• Commercially targeted species, that is currently classified as Near Threatened.
• Relatively slow growing, so vulnerable to overexploitation through fishing.
• Reported that fewer mature adults present in catches for Northern Ireland.

Species description: A pale yellow to light brown skate with numerous black spots that extend right to the edge of the wings. They also have scattered rings of spots and several circular light patches with no spots. They have a short snout and pointed wings, and can reach up to 1 m. This species does not have eye-spot markings.

Life cycle: This species has a relatively slow growth rate, living to around 15 years on average. Males don't mature until around 8 years old, while females don't mature until they are around 10 years old. They lay eggs in clutches and breeding is usually April-July.

Similar species: Could be confused with Raja montagui, in R. montagui the spotting doesn't extend to edge of wings, although this may only be a narrow band free from spots.

How to see this species: Prefers sand or mud from around 60 m to 120 m. Younger animals can be found in more shallow water (around 20 m +), and this species may move inshore at night to feed. Sandbanks with good water movement. There are scattered records from all around Britain and Ireland, but there are few records from Scotland and none from NE Scotland.

Current status: Near Threatened and declining. Currently, available scientific data are patchy for this species in Northern Ireland, but particular attention should be given to any species experiencing decline but that are still being commercially targeted.

Why is this species a priority in Northern Ireland?

• Criterion 1: Internationally listed species.
• Criterion 2: Decline based on available data and expert judgement.

Threats: This species is relatively slow to mature, and so is at high risk of overexploitation through fishing. Despite this, it is still currently allowed to be targeted commercially. They are also at risk from being caught as bycatch in trawl nets targeting other species. Their preferred habitat is also at risk from bottom fishing.

Action: Records of new sites for this species, with details of habitat and population are always valuable. Observations with a photograph can be recorded using iNaturalist, find the MBDP-NI iNaturalist project here.

Alternatively these can be sent to CEDaR, National Museums Northern Ireland, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU. Tel 028 9039 5257 or e-mail cedar.records@nationalmuseumsni.org, or via the online portal.

Objectives:

• Consider eliminating commercial targeting of this species or severely reducing allowable catch.
• Reduce areas where bottom fishing is permitted to allow species and habitat recovery.
• Collect more data on population in Northern Ireland to inform conservation decisions.

Conservation:

• Listed as Near Threatened on Irish, European and Global Red List.

Distribution Map from NBN: Raja brachyura at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Raja brachyura at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Raja brachyura at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Raja brachyura Lafont, 1871. AphiaID: 367297.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; Neoselachii; Batoidea; Rajiformes; Rajidae; Raja