Resolving the spatial distributions of Dipturus intermedius and Dipturus batis—the two taxa formerly known as the ‘common skate’

Abstract Batoid fishes are among the most endangered marine vertebrates, yet conservation efforts have been confounded by incomplete taxonomy. Evidence suggest that critically ‘common skate’ actually represents two species: flapper skate ( Dipturus intermedius ) and blue batis ). However, knowledge of geographic range these nominal species is limited. Here, DNA sequencing used to distinguish species, allowing their spatial distributions be clarified. These records were also as basis for distribution modelling, providing first broad scale models each across Northeast Atlantic. Samples obtained from Iceland, UK (specifically Shetland), North Sea Azores. Results D. was commonly distributed in Western Approaches Celtic Sea, extending out Rockall Iceland. generally appears less abundant, but frequent around northern Scotland Ireland, including present Portugal. Two individuals identified seamounts remote areas Atlantic Azores, furthest south west has found. This supports reports historically had a much wider (which highlighted model), emphasising large over which fisheries may led extirpations. Furthermore, Azorean samples shared unique control region haplotype, highlighting importance preserving genetic diversity.