A VITAL haven for one of Dorset’s most endangered marine animals has been discovered in Swanage and Studland bays.

The area has been identified as a nursery ground for undulate rays, one of the prettiest and smallest of the British skates and rays, with its pattern of delicate wavy lines surrounded by pale dots.

The undulate ray is listed as endangered, with commercial fishing of the species banned since 2009.

Now conservationists such as Dorset Wildlife Trust are hoping the area will benefit from the protection of becoming a marine reserve, under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

The volunteer-led survey involved collecting mermaids’ purses, the empty egg cases of skates and rays from beaches and requesting sightings from divers.

The east-facing and sheltered bays at Studland and Swanage stood out as hotspots for egg cases and juvenile sightings.

“It is exciting to discover that the Studland/Swanage area is so important for this lovely animal, along with all the other amazing marine life there,” said Julie Hatcher, the trust’s marine awareness officer.

“Now, 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 has issued advice to help protect the endangered species which is to avoid eating skate/ray unless you are sure it is not undulate ray. anglers are asked to release them unharmed if caught.

Report sightings to Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044 or kimmeridge@dorset wildlifetrust.org.uk and join the Great Eggcase Hunt, eggcase.org.