Introduction
Skates are cartilaginous fish belonging to the family Rajidae within the superorder Batoidea of rays. Despite being closely related to sharks, skates are considerably different in terms of biological traits and behaviors.
Conservation Status
Many species of skates are listed as vulnerable or endangered according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to destructive practices like overfishing and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are applied on both regional and international levels, including tighter fishing regulations, creation of marine protected areas, and marine life education and awareness programs.
Statistics
| Statistic | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1m | 0.5-2.5m |
| Weight | 25kg | 5-45kg |
| Average Lifespan | 20 years | – |
Distribution
Skates are found in most parts of the world, specifically across the Atlantic Ocean, including off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, and North Africa up to the North Sea and Iceland. Some species are also native to the waters around Australia and New Zealand. Skates are largely sedentary with minor migratory tendencies usually associated with changes in water temperature, food availability, and breeding necessities.
Habitats
Preferring the seafloor, skates inhabit a wide range of ocean depths from shallow tidal pools to the deep sea. While they generally favor colder, temperate waters, some species do inhabit warmer tropical waters. They are typically found on sandy or muddy sea beds where they blend into the substrate.
When and Where to See
During the colder months, skates often migrate to deeper waters and return to the shallows in spring and summer. They are generally more active during the night and easier to spot when the seas are calmer.
Best Fishing Locations
Some of the most fruitful skate fishing locations include:
1. Gulf of Maine, USA
2. Iceland’s coastal waters
3. Outer Hebrides, Scotland
4. Northern North Sea, Norway
5. Southern Grand Banks, Canada
6. South-Eastern Barents Sea, Russia
7. Bay of Biscay, Spain & France
8. South-Eastern Celtic Seas, Ireland & UK
9. Skagerrak and Kattegat, Denmark & Sweden
10. West of Bay of Biscay, Portugal
How to Catch
Beginners can start with mackerel or squid baits along with a suitable fishing rod and strong fishing line. landing Skates involves techniques such as bottom fishing owing to skates’ dwelling on the sea floor. Best fishing times depend on the local tide situation, typically around high tide is best.
Identification Guide
Skates are characterized by their flat bodies, wide pectoral fins that attach to their heads, and small dorsal fins. They have triangular or rounded snouts and mouth located on their underside. Color varies with different species ranging from light sandy brown to dark grey. Skates can be differentiated from rays by the presence of a prominent dorsal fin.
Culinary Use
Skate flesh is delicately flavored and fibrous, best cooked sauteed, grilled, or in soups. Nutritionally, it is a good source of Vitamin B12 and Magnesium, and a very good source of Protein, Niacin and Phosphorus.
Additional Information
Skates feed on various small organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans and small fishes. They typically lay eggs, known as “mermaid’s purses”, that attach to the sea floor. Skate species not targeted by fisheries offer crucial ecosystem services, including organic matter cycling and habitat provisioning. They also play a significant role within the food web, both as predators and prey.
References and Further Reading
For more information on skates, check out these resources:
1. “Skates” in the Encyclopedia of Life, eol.org
2. “The Little Skate: An Underappreciated Fish” at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, ocean.si.edu
3. Walker, P. and Hislop, J. (1998). Sensitive skates or resilient rays? Spatial and temporal shifts in ray species composition in the central and north-western North Sea between 1930 and the present day. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 55, pp.392-402