As part of the ambitious Horizons project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund an Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has launched the Nature Boost Programme. A groundbreaking initiative to connect communities with the rich marine life of Plymouth Sound and support the restoration of nature within the Park. Among its first projects is the captivating Little Rays of Hope, an education-focused effort designed to inspire local people by giving them a view into the fascinating world of skate and rays.
This marks a significant step in the National Marine Park’s five-year Nature Programme, which aims to inspire behaviour change by fostering a deeper understanding of the incredible marine species living in Plymouth Sound. Working with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), the Rays Project builds upon decades of expertise we are so fortunate to have in the City. Within this project we will be encouraging people to care about and take action for the protection of our marine wildlife by providing a glimpse into the world of fish species that live within the Sound.
Image credit: Marine Biological Association
The Little Rays of Hope project is about connecting people with nature. Its goals include raising public awareness of the skate and ray species found in Plymouth Sound, digitally documenting their lives and providing opportunities for people to learn how they can make a difference. By immersing the community in the wonders of local marine life, the project aims to spark a lasting passion for ocean stewardship.
Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans OBE, said: ‘The Little Rays of Hope initiative is a fantastic way to showcase the unique marine life we have right on our doorstep. It’s about engaging people, building knowledge, and inspiring real action to protect Plymouth Sound’s natural treasures for generations to come.’
The Marine Biological Association, as a key delivery partner, has extensive experience with cutting-edge aquatic facilities and expertise in animal husbandry, to support the hatching and rearing of the rays. They are also working with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to ensure the project engages people in meaningful ways. For example, by digitally sharing the incubation and development of the Ray (Raja montagui) eggs, the public can witness the journey of these remarkable animals from egg to pup, offering a rare glimpse into their lives.
To kickstart the project, four female rays—four Spotted Rays—were carefully collected from the Mewstone area to lay their eggs in a safe, controlled environment. This approach allows us to better understand egg laying rates and survival within an aquarium system and ability to predict hatch dates and document the embryo development.
Elaine Hayes, CEO of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, emphasised the project’s importance: ‘The Little Rays of Hope project is about much more than science. It’s about inspiring people to see the value of the extraordinary marine life we have here in Plymouth Sound. By combining education, engagement, and hands-on conservation efforts, we hope to create a community that’s deeply connected to and protective of our ocean.’
Local engagement is at the heart of the project. Community members are encouraged to participate in activities like the Sharks Trusts’ Great Egg Case Hunt, where they can help identify and report skate and ray egg cases found along Plymouth’s beaches. These efforts will contribute valuable data to ongoing research and help foster a sense of shared responsibility for marine conservation.
Fascinating Facts About Skates and Rays:
- There are over 600 species of skates and rays worldwide, with 18 species found in UK waters.
- Unlike rays, skates lay eggs in distinctive “mermaid’s purse” cases.
- Skates and rays are cartilaginous fish, meaning they have no bones—their skeletons are made of lightweight cartilage.
- Rays have a remarkable ability to detect electrical fields to locate prey and navigate their environment.
The Nature Boost Programme represents just one aspect of the Horizons project’s broader vision for Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. By restoring habitats, protecting species, and fostering public engagement, the Nature Programme aims to demonstrate the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem, and the role people play in its preservation.
Professor Willie Wilson, Chief Executive of Marine Biological Association added, ‘projects like this are not only important for the species we’re working with but also for inspiring people to care about their local marine environment. By sharing the story of these rays, we’re helping to build a community that values and protects Plymouth Sound.’
With an investment of £1 million over five years, the Nature Programme is an ambitious and inspiring model for marine conservation. Projects like Little Rays of Hope exemplify the power of collaboration between scientists, local communities, and organisations like the Marine Biological Association to create lasting change.
For those eager to get involved, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park offers a variety of opportunities to connect with and protect this unique marine environment. While capital works are underway to improve access to the park through its gateways, there are already plenty of ways to participate. Activity plans encourage people to get in, on, under, and around the water, while a dedicated volunteer scheme provides hands-on opportunities to make a difference.
Join our friends at The Shark Trust for their Great Egg Case Hunt, an engaging activity that invites the public to explore local beaches while learning about the fascinating lives of skates and rays. By searching for and identifying egg cases, participants can contribute to a broader understanding of these species and their presence in Plymouth Sound.
Whether it’s exploring Plymouth Sound’s marine life, volunteering, or joining initiatives like the Great Egg Case Hunt, there are countless ways to get involved in protecting and celebrating our ocean.