Individual identification of flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) using a baited camera lander

The ability of Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) landers to attract and identify individual flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) based on their spot patterns was tested within the Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA). Two BRUV lander designs, baited with a mix of mackerel, herring, squid and octopus, were deployed in nine different locations at depths between 105 and 133 m for approximately two hours per deployment. The BRUV successfully obtained video footage and still images of flapper skate during four deployments. On six occasions, skate remained at the bait long enough to obtain high-quality video of the dorsal spot patterns. Five individuals, one of which was observed at two adjacent landers in quick succession, were all uniquely distinguishable; one female was matched to existing records in a photo-identification catalogue based on images collected by recreational sea anglers within the MPA. BRUVs offer significant potential in studying flapper skates’ individual presence, distribution patterns and abundance, independent of fishing/angling efforts. BRUV landers can therefore support monitoring efforts for evaluating long-term conservation management measures for flapper skate.