Population numbers of a critically endangered fish could be improved thanks to a new partnership between an electricity company and a marine conservation group, the Independent reported.

The flapper skate, which is normally found in north-east Atlantic waters, is the largest known skate the world. They are considered a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to population decline as a result of human activity.

Industry and conservation partnership

In a bid to help, Scottish electricity company SSEN Transmission has partnered with the Orkney Skate Trust (OST), a volunteer-led organisation that monitors flapper skates and tries to understand their biology and habitat more, in an effort to reverse their decline. (photo: Orkney Skate Trust/PA)

The OST, which was founded in 2010, uses a range of survey techniques from baited camera traps to underwater remotely operated vehicles to identify and monitor the Orkney skate population.

SSEN, which has subsea networks around Scotland’s coastline, has arranged to share its own marine data. This includes 3D bathymetric and side-scan sonar data of the seabed collected as part of the route section for the proposed Orkney transmission connection.

The OST can then study and interpret the data to identify potential habitats that may be suitable for flapper skate, and where they may lay their eggs. The marine organisation then uses a team of divers, monitoring equipment and traps to collect data to assist its conservation decisions. The results are then shared with data group Seasearch Scotland to help provide a better understanding of the wider marine environment in Orkney.

Peter Watson, of SSEN Transmission, said: “By researching, studying and sharing the results of these unique habitats with other marine stakeholders, we’re working to collaborate and play our part to preserve and enhance these unique areas and incredible species, right here in our waters.