Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in Depth Use by a Critically Endangered Benthic Elasmobranch and Its Implications for Spatial Management

Seasonal and ontogenetic variations in depth use by benthic species are often concomitant with changes in their spatial distribution. This has implications for the efficacy of spatial conservation measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs). The critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) is the designation feature of an MPA in Scotland. This species is generally associated with deeper waters >100 m; however, little is known about its seasonal or ontogenetic variation in habitat use. This study used archival depth data from 25 immature and mature flapper skate tagged in the MPA over multiple years. Time series ranged from 3 to 772 (mean = 246) days. Generalised additive mixed models and highest density intervals were used to identify home (95%) and core (50%) highest density depth regions (HDDRs) to quantify depth use in relation to time of year and body size. Skate used a total depth range of 1- 312 m, but home HDDRs typically occurred between 20 and 225 m. Core HDDRs displayed significant seasonal and ontogenetic variations. Summer core HDDRs (100- 150 m) suggest high occupancy of the deep trenches in the region by skate of most size classes. There was an inverse relationship between body size and depth use and a seasonal trend of skate moving into shallow water over winter months. These results suggest that flapper skate are not solely associated with deep water, as skate, especially large females, are frequently found in shallow waters (25-75 m). The current management, which protects the entire depth range, is appropriate for the protection of flapper skate through much of its life history. This research demonstrates why collecting data across seasonal scales and multiple ontogenetic stages is needed to assess the effectiveness of spatial management.

Automated summary

Seasonal and ontogenetic variations in depth use were observed in the critically endangered flapper skate within a marine protected area in Scotland. Summer core depth regions (100-150 m) were highly occupied by skate of all size classes, while larger individuals tended to use shallower waters over winter months. This study highlights the importance of collecting data across different seasons and life stages to effectively manage spatial conservation measures.