Orkney skate trust set out to further refine their novel baited surveys frames as well as create a wider network of distribution through collaboration with a diving charter boat. They created a heavier survey frame that is suitable to be used in deeper water or in stronger tides, and built a system to be used on the MV Clasina to sample the seabed from Norway to St Kilda and create new discoveries along the way. The continued design, test and re-design of survey frames sets the pathway for citizen science BRUV survey that is both low cost and repeatable – giving a wide range of opportunities for like-minded organisations to begin to collect evidenced based data of populations in their areas.
A selection of new survey equipment allowed the Orkney Skate Trust to successfully expand their surveys for flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) eggs. This equipment enabled these citizen scientists to survey previously inaccessible areas of seabed resulting in improved management of this endangered species.
In 2023 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £17,245 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.