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Common name - Skate, common
Scientific name - Dipturus batis
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
Skates and rays belong to the same family, Rajidae, and are large flat fish, dwelling close to the sea floor. Like sharks they have cartilage skeletons instead of bone. Skates tend to be large with long snouts, while rays are smaller species and have short snouts. They are both slow to grow and breed. Most are uncommon or rare. Avoid eating all but the smaller, faster growing species such as spotted, cuckoo or starry rays, and preferably from otter trawl rather than beam trawl. Avoid eating these species below the size at which they mature and during their breeding season. For detailed information, see www.fishonline.org. Skate and ray species are all generally sold as ‘skate’, but all true Skate should be completely avoided. Whole ray are available as are fresh or frozen wings and knobs (cheeks).
Summary
The common skate belies its name as it is becoming very rare in UK shallow seas and in European waters. The life history and demography of this species means that it has a very low resilience to fishing pressure, and its large body size means that it is catchable even from birth. Retaining and landing common skate is now prohibited in EU waters. Common skate is considered depleted in the Celtic Sea and ICES recommends that no targeted fisheries are allowed for the species in this area. Common skate is assessed as Critically Endangered by IUCN - World Conservation Union and is also listed by OSPAR as a threatened and declining species. Avoid eating.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
No alternatives found.
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.