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Distribution and management of the critically endangered Flapper Skate, Dipturus intermedius Sophie L. Loca (24169569) PUREID: 630280782 Flapper skate conservation marine ecology species distribution modelling Dipturus The Critically Endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) is a large-bodied, demersal elasmobranch occupying inshore habitats across the northeast Atlantic shelf region. Capable of reaching up to 3m length, this species is considered the largest extant species of skate. Like other large-bodied elasmobranchs, the flapper skate is long-lived, slow growing, late to reach maturity and low in fecundity. These life history traits render the species highly vulnerable to fishing mortality, which is the key driver of its decline and extirpation from many regions throughout the 20th century. Today, the flapper skate is considered a species of high conservation value in the UK and Europe, however present management is limited to two marine protected areas (MPAs) in Scottish waters, and landings prohibitions in European waters. Given that the species and its critical habitats remain exposed to fishing pressure across most of its range, it has been recognised that additional conservation measures will be required to support its long-term recovery. However, a long history of taxonomic confusion has resulted in significant knowledge gaps on the flapper skate’s ecology, population genetics, and movements, which have hindered regional conservation action. To support future conservation action, this thesis has addressed several critical knowledge gaps for the flapper skate and has developed comprehensive documentation to support MPA planning for the species. Chapter 2 collated all available, verifiable occurrence data for the flapper skate, to provide a validated map of species presence across the northeast Atlantic shelf region. Chapter 3 aimed to establish the wider benefits of spatial management measures for the flapper skate, by employing a panel of experts. The findings were summarised in a comprehensive document that can be used to address stakeholder concerns in the MPA planning process. Chapter 4 involved an exhaustive analysis of available fisheries-independent data to model drivers of skate presence across its distribution and revealed core regions of skate presence that should be focused on for management efforts. By employing genetic sampling to validate fisheries-independent survey records, Chapter 5 provided the first insights into the distribution of juvenile flapper skate. Chapter 6 developed a linear framework for data collection for large skate, which focused on the standardisation of methods and reportage across regions and encouraged cross-border collaboration. Finally, Chapter 7 outlined a conceptual cross-regional management plan for the species, as well as future priority research areas. Overall, this thesis addressed several critical knowledge gaps for the flapper skate and provides supporting information for conservation action in data-deficient regions. The findings presented here are an important first step towards future monitoring and research for the species.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i> 2026-10-01T16:28:15Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32640777.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Distribution_and_management_of_the_critically_endangered_Flapper_Skate_Dipturus_intermedius/32640777 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-07-31