STUDLAND Bay has been recommended as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

Dorset Wildlife Trust thinks this could be fintastic news for one of Dorset’s most endangered animals – the undulate ray. Studland Bay is an important seagrass habitat believed to be a nursery ground for this elegant, small ray.

Finding Sanctuary made the recommendation to the government following a consultation period with fishermen, yachtsman, divers, conservation organisations and other stakeholders. MCZs are being set up all around the UK as part of a wider network of Marine Protected Areas. The goal of this network is to safeguard important marine habitats and wildlife, along with ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources in the region.

There are more than 600 species of skate and rays worldwide; seven or eight species can regularly be found in the UK. Undulate rays are one of the smallest and prettiest rays, sporting a pattern of delicate wavy lines surrounded by pale dots. Juveniles feed mostly on small crustaceans, molluscs and fish, which can be found in abundance amongst seagrass.

DWT Marine Warden Marc Smith, who has worked with tiger sharks and rays in Australia, said of the recommendations: “This is welcome news as skates and rays belong to the same group of animals as sharks. This group of animals is one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet. According to the IUCN red list about a third of shark, skate and ray species could soon face extinction.”

More than 30 species of shark are also found in the UK. Porbeagle, tope, smoothhound, basking shark and the charismatic thresher with its huge tail are resident off our coast all year round. Others like the powerful shortfin mako and the beautiful serpentine-like blue shark are seasonal visitors during the summer. Fifty per cent of British shark species are threatened with some critically endangered. Marc added: “Sharks are in real trouble all over the world not just in the UK. It is estimated that more than 70 million sharks are killed each year for meat and as by-catch but most are killed for their fins”.

European Shark Week, which takes place every year, runs from October 15-23.

Mr Smith finished: “To celebrate these magnificent creatures and to raise awareness of these issues, Dorset Wildlife Trust will be running events for people to find out more about British sharks, skates and rays and give them the opportunity to add their voice to help secure better protection for these amazing animals.”

DWT events include a Shark Day for young volunteers aged 13-25 to find out more about shark biology, research and current global conservation issues, on October 16; and a free sand-sculpting competition on October 22 from 11am – 3pm on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier. It is suitable for families and groups of friends.

For details contact Marc on 01929 481044, visit dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk/events or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

To support Marine Protected Areas sign up to the Wildlife Trusts’ Petition Fish campaign at www.wildlifetrusts.org/petitionfish or to find out more about British sharks, skates and rays visit www.sharktrust.org