The undulate ray (Raja undulata) is a European skate species with a population that reaches from the south coast of the UK to the tip of southern Portugal. Its numbers have reduced dramatically in the last decade and it is now classed as an endangered species, protected from commercial fishing since 2009. SEA LIFE is proud to lead a managed European breeding program that involves extensive record keeping, the pairing of mature individuals, and the rearing of juveniles.

Our focus on the genetic health and sustainability of the captive population is designed to aid the steady increase of the wild population. To further enhance this program, recent and ongoing genetic research is being undertaken for the first time on this species of skate. Collaborating with Manchester University UK, work has begun to establish the genetic markers needed to allow the development of a concise pedigree and family tree of the existing population.