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Blonde Ray - Raja brachyura

Key Findings

This large species is found throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and in Northwestern Africa (fig. 2) (IUCN, 2009). In Scotland, they are most common in the North and West (Scottish Government, 2011), with quite a spotty presence in the North Sea (Shark Trust, 2020). While often referred to as a ray, this species is infact a skate, as they lay egg cases. 

Blonde rays (fig. 2) are classified as ‘Near Threatened’ (IUCN, 2009), a result of their desirability in both commercial and recreational fishing (Shark Trust, 2020). Their large size and lengthy reproductive cycle exacerbate this threat (Shark Trust, 2020), increasing the chance of bycatch losses while preventing the species efficiently recovering. 

fig. 1: IUCN (2009) - Blonde Ray Range 

Fig. 2: (IFI Staff, 2023) - A Blonde Ray 

Notes

None

Linked Information Sheets

Key sources of Information

Reviewed on/by

12/08/2024 by Cathryn Lovie

20/08/2024 by Ian Hay

26/08/2024 by Dr Lauren Smith

 

Status

 Live. Next update due 22/11/25

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Cover Photograph - David R. Green

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