Skate

The Skate, commonly known in Cyprus as vati or raza, is a cartilaginous fish commonly found in our waters. These local names are often used to refer to several closely related species of the skate family (Rajidae), which closely resemble one another. Depending on the species they can reach a maximum of 130 cm in length. The skate reproduces throughout the year, with differences in peaks among species. It is mainly caught using bottom trawls, static nets, longlines, and spearguns.

It is a strictly benthic species that inhabits sandy, muddy, and rocky seabeds, from shallow coastal waters down to around 300 metres, although it is most commonly found between 20 and 140 metres. It feeds mainly on small bottom-dwelling fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates, searching for prey along the seabed. It is an oviparous species, with females laying distinctive leathery egg cases commonly known as “mermaid’s purses.”

Bottom trawling is one of the most harmful fishing methods in our seas, as it drags heavy gear across the seabed, damaging habitats, killing benthic organisms, and resulting in high catches of non-target species. In the southern part of Cyprus, bottom trawling is restricted between 16 February and 31 May, while in the northern part it is prohibited altogether.

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method, as well as buying this species outside of its spawning period. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries.