CONSERVATIONISTS say there’s a ray of hope for one of Dorset’s most endangered marine animals.

An important haven has been discovered in Swanage and Studland Bays for undulate rays, one of the prettiest and smallest of Britain’s skates and rays.

A survey has identified the areas as showing all the signs of being a nursery ground for the creatures.

Sporting a pattern of delicate wavy lines surrounded by pale dots, the undulate ray, right, is listed as endangered.

Commercial fishing of the species has been banned since 2009.

Now Dorset Wildlife Trust is hoping that new legislation will succeed in protecting their future. The Marine and Coastal Access Act requires the setting up of a network of marine reserves around the country. It is hoped that the nursery for undulate rays in Swanage and Studland Bays will benefit from becoming part of a future marine reserve.

Dorset Wildlife Trust Marine Awareness Officer Julie Hatcher said: “It is exciting to discover that the Studland and Swanage area is so important for this lovely animal along with all the other amazing marine life there.

“Thanks to the volunteers and divers who collected the information and photographs there is evidence to get the site protected.

“We hope that everyone will support moves to protect the nursery area at Studland and Swanage through new marine Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zones.”

The trust says people should avoid eating skate or ray unless they are sure it is not undulate ray.

It advises anglers to release undulate rays unharmed if caught and in as healthy a condition as possible.

Sightings or catches should be reported to the trust, preferably with a photo as well as date and location. Call 01929 481044 or send email to: kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk