AI Initiative Helps 2,500 Flapper Skates Rebound in Scotland
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📰 The quick summary: New AI-powered database system helps track and protect critically endangered flapper skate in Scottish waters, leading to population increases of up to 92% in protected areas.
📈 One key stat: Catches of flapper skate increased between 54% and 92% in different parts of the protected area, showing significant species recovery.
💬 One key quote: “The MPA and the conservation has definitely increased their numbers,” said Ronnie Campbell, a pioneering charter-boat skipper.
1️⃣ The big picture: A major citizen science project in Scottish waters is helping protect the critically endangered flapper skate through an innovative AI-powered database. Sea anglers who advocated for a marine protected area off Oban and Mull now contribute vital data by photographing unique spot patterns on captured skates before release. The database, called Skatespotter, contains records of almost 2,500 individual flapper skates with 5,000 images. Scientific evidence shows the species is rebounding strongly in protected areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of marine conservation zones.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The flapper skate population shows clear signs of recovery after decades of decline, with dramatic increases in protected areas. The success stems from combining legal protection, citizen science participation, and advanced AI technology to track individual fish. This project proves that endangered marine species can rebound when given proper protection. The model can potentially help other threatened species through similar collaborative approaches between anglers, scientists and conservation agencies.
3️⃣ What’s next: Conservation groups are pressing the Scottish government to strengthen the marine protected area network based on this evidence. The government indicates new protective measures are a top priority, though limited parliamentary time remains before elections. Meanwhile, the AI scanning technology developed for this project can be applied to other fish conservation initiatives to increase their efficiency.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – AI scanning helps Scottish conservation project turn tide for flapper skate
