Flapper Skate protection: NatureScot advice to the Scottish Government

Related work and next steps

We are aware that the Red Rocks location is relevant to the work being led by Marine Scotland to improve the protection of Priority Marine Features outside the MPA network. Whilst this work was not specifically referred to in your request for advice, the surveyed egg-laying habitat lies within the proposed Scalpay, Inner Sound management area (see Figure 3) which contains records of both maerl beds and flame shell beds. Given that there is currently insufficient information with which to define the extent of the egg-laying habitat in the Inner Sound, and the ongoing difficulties there are likely to be relating to progressing marine survey work in a way that would be consistent with Covid-19 restrictions over the next year, the Scalpay area could facilitate a precautionary approach. Our view is that progressing this PMF management area could provide the basis for a pragmatic, interim measure, whilst further survey work of the egg-laying habitat in the Inner Sound is undertaken to determine whether it should be considered as part of the MPA network.

We know there are records of egg cases within or close to other PMF management areas being considered by Marine Scotland. This includes Longay (also in the Inner Sound - see Figure 3), Loch Craignish and that there have been preliminary discussions about new maerl bed records off Lunna Ness in Shetland. Although to date we do not have records from any other areas with the same high densities of egg cases as seen at Red Rocks, it would be useful to consider what role these other areas might play in the conservation of flapper skate.

Lastly, we are engaged in discussions with colleagues in MSS and MS Fisheries in relation to the protection of critical fish habitats, for example in relation to herring spawning areas. Beyond thinking about the Red Rocks area, it would be helpful to explore whether there could be join-up between future work in relation to flapper skate egg-laying habitat and other strategic approaches to protect critical fish habitat.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this advice, and look forward to taking forward further work on flapper skate.