NatureScot Research Report 1365 - Elasmobranch distributions and interactions with fisheries.
Abstract
This report presents findings from a study aimed at providing key evidence for the future development of a conservation and management strategy for elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) in Scottish waters. The study combined elasmobranch survey data and fisheries distribution data to estimate the distributions of nine species, including flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius), cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus), and spurdog (Squalus acanthias), among others. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were developed to identify habitat requirements and key environmental drivers. Main findings include the preference of seven out of nine species for depths of 100 m or deeper, predominantly found off the west coast of Scotland. Different seabed preferences and salinity tolerances were noted among species. Overlap analysis with Nephrops and scallop fisheries identified seven areas where conservation measures could have an impact, with most important areas overlapping or contiguous with the existing Scottish MPA network. The report highlights the potential of recent modelling methods to inform future management decisions, even for data-deficient species, and suggests that extending fishery management measures within the MPA network could offer protection to these threatened fish.