Tagging blonde, smalleyed and undulate rays off Jersey (2007-2008)

The most frequently caught skate species around Jersey include blonde ray Raja brachyura, smalleyed ray Raja microocellata, undulate ray Raja undulata and thornback ray Raja clavata.

Between September 2006 and December 2008, a total of 814 individuals were tagged and released, of which 64% were smalleyed ray, 23% blonde ray and 12% undulate ray. 

To date:

·   There have been 138 reported recaptures (return rate = 17%), with most fish recaptured from the study area.

·   Most tagged skates were recaptured within 20 km of the release area, indicating site fidelity.

·   The longest distance travelled has been 61 km.

·   The longest time at liberty has been 754 days.

·   Thirteen fish have been recaptured on multiple (2-4) occasions.