Groundbreaking sharks and skates study begins in Scottish waters

A GROUNDBREAKING new project to study sharks and skates will be conducted in Scottish waters after funding was secured.

The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) has secured funding for this initiative.

The SharkScape project will focus on sharks and skates around Scotland, exploring their vital roles in marine ecosystems.

Led by the Edinburgh Napier University, the study will shed light on these species and improve public understanding.

“The impact of this research extends far beyond scientific curiosity,” said Dr James Thorburn, the lead researcher for the project.

“As apex predators, sharks and skates are essential for maintaining the health and diversity of marine life.

“By shedding light on the behaviour and health of these species in Scottish waters, we hope to enhance our ecological knowledge and strengthen efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity."

The first stage of the project will study existing data on sharks and skates and identify the knowledge gaps.

Then, it will focus on mapping the distribution of the species, migratory patterns, population dynamics, and interactions of these fish with their environment using tagging technology, environmental DNA, and underwater video.

They hope to gather valuable insights into the conservation needs of these species, helping to inform sustainable management practices and nature-positive solutions to help protect and enhance the delicate balance of Scottish marine ecosystems.

The team will study marine ecosystems for sharks and skates species (Image: Edinburgh Napier University) “Securing this funding marks a pivotal moment in our quest to understand and protect these fish in Scottish waters. They are among the most threatened vertebrates on the planet because of factors such as historic overfishing, habitat removal, and climate change,” said Thorburn.

“Our research will provide the data needed to develop effective conservation strategies, ensuring the overall stability of oceanic ecosystems. We are excited to embark on this crucial journey and look forward to our findings having a positive impact on marine biodiversity and sustainability efforts."

The project team includes researchers from the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Association of Marine Science, the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Orkney Skate Trust, the University of Aberdeen, the Marine Directorate Science, and NatureScot.

The funding for this project has been provided by Shell UK Limited and is equivalent to £1 million over three years.