Corrigendum: Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in Depth Use by a Critically Endangered Benthic Elasmobranch and Its Implications for Spatial Management

A Corrigendum on
Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in Depth Use by a Critically Endangered Benthic Elasmobranch and Its Implications for Spatial Management

by Thorburn, J., Wright, P. J., Lavender, E., Dodd, J., Neat, F., Martin, J. G. A., Lynam, C., and James, M. (2021). Front. Mar. Sci. 8:656368. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.656368

In the original article, in the Discussion paragraph 5, the reference (Brander, 1981) was incorrectly written as (Du Bait, 1976) in the sentence “Based on these rates and an estimated fecundity of 40 eggs per year (Brander, 1981).”

In the original article, in the Discussion paragraph 5 the reference for (Little, 1995) was incorrectly written as (Little, 1997) in the sentence “Not every female over 200 cm showed prolonged use of shallow water, which could be explained by a biennial reproductive cycle, previously suggested for flapper skate (Little, 1995).”

In the original article, there was an error. “Based on these rates and a maximum fecundity of 40 eggs per year.” This value of 40 is an estimated fecundity, not a maximum.

A correction has been made to Discussion, paragraph 5. The below correction includes the updated references mentioned above.

“Other drivers for seasonal and ontogenetic depth use in skate species may be related to reproductive events (Hunter et al., 2006). Common skate were thought to lay eggs over the spring and summer (Whitehead et al., 1986), but little is known about the egg-laying behaviour of flapper skate specifically. A preference for depths <50 m was most noticeable in skate over 200 cm TL, all females assumed to be mature. These shallow depth ranges are similar to those of a flapper skate egg nursery identified on the west coast of Scotland (NatureScot, 2021). This suggests that the increased use of shallower depths may be caused by mature females utilising habitats suitable for egg deposition. Unlike viviparous species, female oviparous elasmobranchs need to remain in the vicinity of an egg nursery for prolonged periods while depositing eggs. Egg-laying rates for Rajidae have been reported between 0.24 and 1 egg per day (Holden et al., 1971; Concha et al., 2012). Based on these rates and an estimated fecundity of 40 eggs per year (Brander, 1981), mature female flapper skate may be associated with egg nurseries for between 40 and 160 days. This could result in the extended preference for shallow depths observed in some large females. Variation in the timing of egg deposition among females through an extended egg-laying season, as shown in other skate species (Luer et al., 2007), may account for the individual variation in shallow-water use. Not every female over 200 cm showed prolonged use of shallow water, which could be explained by a biennial reproductive cycle, previously suggested for flapper skate (Little, 1995). It is also possible that females lay eggs at different depths. However, as egg nurseries are thought to be selected based on the provision of optimal conditions for embryo development (Leonard et al., 1999; Hoff, 2008, 2010), variation in egg nursery habitat is likely to be limited.”

The authors apologize for these errors and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated.

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