Critically Endangered Giant Skate Begins Remarkable Comeback

Scotland has recorded early recovery of critically endangered flapper skate populations, with growing sightings reported between 2022 and 2026 after long-term conservation protections.

“Flapper skate are just beginning their recovery but they are far from restored to their historical range,” said Dr Jane Dodd, shark, ray and skate specialist at NatureScot.

The flapper skate, which can grow to three metres long and weigh about 100 kilograms, declined severely due to fishing pressure but has been protected from commercial capture since 2009. Interviews with fishers revealed frequent sightings across western Scottish waters, with half reporting daily encounters. Studies also found that numbers were rising faster within Marine Protected Areas, where improved survival rates of young skates support long-term species recovery and marine biodiversity.