Skate Tagathon
The Common Skate Tagathon is the latest addition to SSACN’s “Special Events”.
The Scottish Shark Tagging Programme (SSTP) data for the inaptly named common skate, combined with the data from the Glasgow Museum database is beginning to give us a good insight into various aspects of their life history and what is clear from the data is that we need more data !!!
Although we are beginning to get some idea of the behaviour of these animals, it is obvious that this is not a simple black and white story, but a complicated pattern of some form of residency or territorial behaviour with some influx of animals during the Spring / Summer months.
The Skate Tagathon is not a competition – its main aims are to recapture as many tagged fish as possible from the shore and boat; to highlight the urgent need for shark, ray and skate conservation in Scottish waters, and to raise the public awareness of sea angling.
We recommend launching at Ardfern Marina, but, for those who choose to launch at Crinan, please be respectful of the locals and park with respect for others. The slipway access is very tight indeed so be very careful whilst manoeuvring. The local harbour trust charges £10 for a launch and retrieve.
Collection and Drop Off point at the Galley of Lorne Inn in Ardfern with registration open from 7.30pm – 9.00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with the morning registrations at Ardfern Marina from 8.00am – 9.00am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Insurance: We have been advised that for insurance purposes we must have the names and addresses of all taggers attending the event, therefore all participants, not just the boat owner/skipper must fill in the online entry form below.
Tagging Records: You will be asked to fill in details of all your tagged fish at the event and also record all other shark species including dogfish and those fish to small to tag. The details are in the welcome pack
Resources ::
Codes of best practice:
- Skate code of best practice
- Essential information for a private boat going skate fishing
- Recommended common skate rig
- For the smaller sharks here
Accommodation lists for
Registration ::
Registration for the 2013 Event is not available at the moment.
Note 1. We do make a small charge of £5 per person for taking part in the programme to help cover the cost of the tags, canulas and other materials, however, for that money you will also receive Associate Membership of SSACN. Tp pay by cheque, please send one payable to The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network to The Secretary (SSACN), 2B Maxwellton Court, Maxwellton Street, Paisley, PA1 2UD or through Paypal using the following button
Note 2. Tagging data will be closely guarded and only available in its ‘raw and total’ format to a limited number of ‘approved’ scientists / analysts working with the SSTP. Individual anglers will naturally be able to receive their own data on request.
Note 3. Because of the nature of the event, SSACN cannot ensure the safety of all concerned, therefore all those who take part in the Sharkatag must accept that they are participating at their own risk.
Do not fill in the form unless you agree and accept these conditions.
