The challenges of biodiversity loss and global sustainability are deeply interconnected, particularly in marine ecosystems, where environmental pressures transcend disciplines and borders. Our Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science is dedicated to pioneering interdisciplinary solutions that address these urgent issues.

Problem:

Sharks, skates, and rays—collectively known as elasmobranchs—are among the most threatened vertebrates on our planet. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems around Scotland but are often misunderstood. Decades of intense fishing and other localised pressures have caused populations to plummet globally. These alarming declines highlight the urgent need for effective measures to conserve the remaining populations and ensure their survival.

Solution:

Funded by the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology (MAST), the SharkScape project aims to collect valuable data to ensure the survival and conservation of these remarkable species. The findings of this important research are expected to provide valuable insights into the conservation needs of the elasmobranchs, helping to inform sustainable management practices and nature-positive solutions that will help protect and enhance the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.

This research project is being led by Edinburgh Napier University, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen, the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. Beyond academic institutions, the project is also collaborating with NGOs, such as the Orkney Skate Trust, as well as government organisations, including NatureScot and the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate. 

Critical research to protect Scottish populations of sharks, skates and rays

The SharkScape project is a three-year research initiative designed to address the issue of data deficiency in sharks, skates, and rays within Scottish waters. To achieve this, the project is focusing on understanding how these species navigate their environment and utilise specific habitats for important species life events, such as reproduction and feeding. Additionally, the project has ambitions to provide advice to mitigate the impact of human activities on these critical habitats, ensuring that both ecological processes and human interactions can coexist sustainably.

Innovative advanced technologies to for species and habitat observations 

One of the greatest challenges in studying elasmobranchs is that, unlike marine mammals, they rarely surface, making data collection particularly difficult. Traditional observation methods are often ineffective, requiring the use of advanced technological approaches. These include telemetry tags—electronic devices that track and reveal movement patterns—and underwater camera systems that allow researchers to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis also plays a crucial role by extracting molecular traces from water to determine which species are present, as well as when and where they occur. Additionally, various supporting techniques, combined with robust data analytics, are essential in overcoming these obstacles and gaining deeper insights into elasmobranch behaviour and ecology.

Scottish research that has wider global impact 

While the SharkScape project focuses on Scottish waters, the species being monitored are highly migratory, linking to waters and ecosystems across Europe. The researchers' approach aims to establish a robust framework for gap assessments and research strategies that may be used by conservationist in other challenging regions, similar for example, to Scotland's harsh winter waters. Additionally, this framework could support researchers studying data-deficient species, helping to generate the crucial information needed for effective management.