Sandy Ray (Leucoraja circularis)

Despite being a Priority Marine Feature by the Scottish Government (2011), the information available about sandy rays (Fig. 1) is limited. The species is found along the length of the European West Coast, and in the Mediterranean (Fig. 2). The European classification of the species is 'Endangered', while in the Mediterranean they are 'Critically Endangered' (IUCN, 2015). In Scotland, they are most common to the West and North (Scottish Government, 2011), and much rarer to the East.

While often referred to as a ray, this species is technically a skate as they lay egg cases. They are a deepwater species, living between 50-800m (IUCN, 2015). While not targeted by fisheries, they are susceptible to bycatch. Additionally, the landing of this species is not prohibited, so large specimens may be taken ashore as food (Shark Trust, 2020).