Photo by William Hook

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has launched the SkateSpotter app, a new tool designed to aid in the conservation of the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius). This free mobile application allows anglers, divers, and the general public to upload photographs of flapper skates, which are then used to build a photo-identification database tracking individual animals by their unique spot patterns.

The initiative builds on an earlier online photo database started in 2018, notably contributed to by angling charter skipper Ronnie Campbell, who provided around 400 digital images to SAMS. By expanding the database, the app aims to enhance scientific understanding of flapper skate populations, including their distribution and behaviour.

Scientists at SAMS and partners such as NatureScot use the collected data to monitor the population within the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA). Early analyses indicate the flapper skate is recovering more rapidly within this MPA compared to surrounding waters, offering encouraging signs for conservation efforts.

Dr. Steven Benjamins, a marine ecologist at SAMS, highlighted the app’s value as a citizen science project that empowers the public to contribute directly to marine research and species protection.

The app is freely available to download via the SkateSpotter website and on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making it accessible to anyone interested in supporting flapper skate conservation.