Rays of tope

Evidencing critical reproductive habitats for tope and undulate ray using a multi-method approach

Rays of tope

Evidencing critical reproductive habitats for tope and undulate ray using a multi-method approach

Title: Rays of Tope: Evidencing critical reproductive habitats for tope and undulate ray using a multi-method approach

Funded by: Natural England

Funding amount: £789,798.61

Location: UK

Dates: 1 July 2026 – 31 March 2029

Project partners: Sussex IFCA, Association of IFCAs, Southern IFCA, Devon & Severn IFCA, Cornwall IFCA, Isles of Scilly IFCA, Shark Trust, Angling Trust, ICES

University of Plymouth PI:

Professor Emma Sheehan

University of Plymouth staff: Dr Alice Hall, Dr Peter Davies, Tully Osmond, Amy Cartwright

Overview

This threatened species research collaboration is advancing our knowledge of tope (Galeorhinus galeus) and undulate ray (Raja undulata) distribution, migration, and reproductive ecology to support their recovery in English waters.

The project combines existing datasets such as the Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt records, the Angling Trust angler records, ICES data and local ecological knowledge with dual tracking methods (pop-up satellite archival tags and acoustic telemetry through the University-led Fish Intel Network).

We are using active tracking and reproductive assessment of tope and undulate ray to identify key reproductive sites and timings. Collaboration with fishers, NGOs, and regulators will promote data sharing to inform management strategies aimed at increasing the survival of pregnant females and juveniles, thereby supporting population recovery.

Rays of Tope aims to protect these species by increasing our understanding of their spatial ecology, reproductive habitats, and post-release mortality; enhancing knowledge exchange among commercial and recreational stakeholders; and incorporating these data into effective national fisheries management.

By identifying and protecting critical nursery habitats, this project will provide the scientific evidence needed to support the recovery of tope sharks and undulate rays. Working closely with local fishers, we can help safeguard the next generation of these vulnerable species and ensure management decisions are guided by robust science. Healthy nursery habitats are essential for the survival of young sharks and rays.

Professor Emma Sheehan
Professor of Marine Ecology

Conserving sharks and rays is a global priority, supporting healthy oceans, sustainable fisheries, and marine biodiversity. By working collaboratively with stakeholders to improve our understanding of where these threatened species live, migrate, and reproduce, we're providing the knowledge needed to support their long-term recovery in English waters.

Dr Peter Davies
Post-Doctoral Researcher

University staff tagging an adult tope on board a fishing vessel

Acoustic transmitters used to follow tope and ray migration and habitat use

Deploying acoustic receivers with partners Sussex IFCA

Objectives

Use local ecological knowledge from national workshops and fisher questionnaires to identify and map priority hotspots for tope and undulate rays, providing spatial and temporal guidance for tracking and management interventions.
Improve delineation of spawning and nursery grounds in English waters by collecting and analysing data on eggcases and egg-bearing females undulate ray, to support implementation of effective area-based management.
Identify and map key reproductive sites for tope and undulate ray in English waters using acoustic and satellite tracking to inform spatial management and conservation measures.
Quantify spatial distribution patterns and potential fishing pressures on tope and undulate ray in English waters by analysing MMO landings data and other existing datasets.

Quantify post-release behaviour and survival rates of recreationally caught tope and undulate ray for boat and/or shore-based angling in English waters to inform evidence-based recreational fisheries management.
Assess data gaps in the reporting and identification of juvenile tope in England and develop recommendations to improve monitoring and reporting accuracy.
Develop and apply non-invasive methods to determine pregnancy in tope and undulate ray.
Generate best handling practice guidelines for commercial bycatch and targeted recreational angling (boat and shore) of tope and undulate ray.
Co-design and co-deliver data-sharing initiatives with recreational and commercial fishers, NGOs, and regulators to improve knowledge of reproductive cycles, habitats, increase stakeholder awareness, and inform sustainable management practices that enhance the survival of juveniles and pregnant females, supporting elasmobranch (sharks, skates, and rays) population recovery.

The Shark Trust is pleased to be partnering with the University of Plymouth, Angling Trust, and other project partners to discover more about two remarkable British species: tope and undulate ray. This collaborative project will provide key insights into their biology and ecology, with this knowledge helping to inform effective fisheries management.

In addition, Rays of Tope will strengthen community engagement in marine conservation via the long-standing citizen science initiative, the Great Eggcase Hunt.

Jack Renwick
Conservation Officer, Shark Trust

Recreational anglers and charter skippers spend countless hours on the water and have built up a wealth of knowledge about the marine environment and the species they encounter. The Angling Trust is excited to be partnering on this project as an excellent example of how that experience can be combined with cutting-edge science to improve our understanding of species such as tope sharks and undulate rays.

By working together, we can help identify and protect the habitats that are critical to their recovery, while promoting best practice in catch, handling and release to ensure these remarkable fish continue to thrive in our waters for generations to come.

Hannah Rudd
Head of Marine, Angling Trust

Knowledge-sharing workshop with anglers and commercial fishers

Undulate ray on the Rays of Tope project

A tagged undulate ray

Deploying receivers off the Isle of Wight

Context of the issue

Elasmobranchs are among the most threatened groups of marine vertebrates, with many species in English waters having experienced long-term population declines. Slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rates make them particularly vulnerable to pressures such as overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, and climate-driven environmental change.

Despite increasing conservation efforts, significant knowledge gaps remain around the distribution, migration, and reproductive ecology of many species. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing effective management measures that support the recovery of threatened populations and help maintain healthy, resilient marine ecosystems.

How the project addresses the issue

Coastal waters support a diverse range of stakeholders, including fishers, researchers, conservation organisations, and regulators, making cross-sector collaboration essential for collecting robust, management-relevant data.

By combining complementary research methods with stakeholder knowledge, this project will provide a more complete understanding of threatened shark and ray populations, helping to inform effective conservation and support their recovery.

Funded by

Natural England

Centre for Marine Biology and Conservation Science (CMACS)

CMACS unites the University of Plymouth's long-standing and internationally recognised research in marine biology and marine conservation science.

By providing an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for knowledge exchange and relationship development, CMACS drives ambitious, innovative, interdisciplinary, world-class marine research.

Discover more research from CMACS