The Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond Shores near Ballach is hosting a session for members and guests of the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network (SSACN) at 2pm on Monday 9th March.

James Thorburn will present a summary of his findings on a research  project on the Common Skate and after his presentation SSACN and SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) will provide an update on proposed future work on Common Skate, Spur Dog and Tope. This will be followed by an opportunity to discuss both projects and issues arising from them.

The aim of James Thorburn’s  project was to get more understanding of the life history characteristics and behaviour of the Commons Skate as well as assessing the population around the Isle of Mull and Firth of Lorn. His report will incude his major findings and consider matters like growth rate, annual depth migration, maturation, annual geographical movement, population composition, fishing mortality and economic importance.

As well as this, Thorburn’s research also focused on the economic value of the charter boat industry based in Oban and running skate angling trips. He looked at the overall value of the industry and its financial impact on other businesses in the area.

SSACN members and guests are cordially invited but, to help the catering provision for the event,  are asked to RSVP with numbers by emailing contact@ssacn.org

For ayone who can’t get there but is interested in the research findings, the report can be found on the SSACN website and in the SSACN Reading Room of the SSACN Library.