Protection and management of the endangered skate is the focus of a conference in Galway this week involving international specialists.
The Flapper Skate and Blue Skate are at risk and have been prohibited from commercial fishing for almost 15 years, according to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) which is participating in the conference.
Leading authorities in sharks, skates, and rays, including the Irish Elasmobranch Group, the British Shark Trust and university academics, will share the latest knowledge on the species. Experts from England, Scotland and the Netherlands will also attend.
Organised by Queens University Belfast and the Marine Institute, the regional skate working group will focus on protecting the species.
It will also discuss the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) at the gathering in Galway on March 2nd and 3rd.
The SFPA said its participation in the conference demonstrates its commitment “to sustainable fishing practices and the protection of endangered species”.