During the latest episode of BBC’s Countryfile, presenter Hamza Yassin embarked on an extraordinary journey to Scotland’s west coast in search of one of Britain’s most elusive marine creatures: the flapper skate. This ancient species, often described as prehistoric, has roamed UK waters for millions of years but now faces the looming threat of extinction.
Setting off from Oban, Hamza traveled across the waters off the Isle of Mull, entering a designated Marine Protected Area specifically created to safeguard this critically endangered deep-sea dweller. Alongside a dedicated team of scientists and experienced sea anglers, he joined forces in a groundbreaking conservation effort aimed at preserving the flapper skate.
Hamza began the expedition by fishing for mackerel to use as bait, carefully following expert advice on techniques designed to minimize harm to the skate. A professional angler explained the delicate balance of flattening the hook barb to avoid injuring the skate’s mouth while accepting the risk of the fish escaping — a “risk worth taking” in the name of conservation.
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With bait secured, the team patiently waited, engaging in careful capture and tagging protocols. Led by Dr Jane Dodd, who has collaborated with local anglers for over 15 years on this project, they planned to place any captured skates on a dive lift for scanning, tagging new individuals, and then safely returning them to their ocean home.
The wait was tense but rewarding. After more than 20 minutes, Hamza and the team finally caught a skate. The presenter donned a harness to help reel in the heavy fish, only to be taken aback by the physical effort required. “You are joking me. I was not expecting this!” he exclaimed. The angler advised against raising the rod too high to avoid losing the fish, a technique known as high-sticking. Hamza described the struggle vividly: “You feel this incredible pressure pushing back, and the skate just pulls against you.”
Filled with admiration for the skill and dedication of the crew, Hamza reflected, “How these guys do this every day is incredible. I’m just glad to be doing my bit for science. It’s like a juggling act, and it really puts me to shame.”
After successfully hauling the flapper skate aboard, the team released it back into the sea, a triumphant moment that left Hamza visibly moved. “This is absolutely incredible,” he declared.
Countryfile’s spotlight on this rare species not only highlights the urgent need for marine conservation but also showcases the collaborative efforts blending scientific research with traditional fishing practices to protect the UK’s remarkable marine biodiversity.