BIDDEFORD (AP) – Skates are becoming increasingly rare in Maine waters. Researchers and students at the University of New England are trying to find out why.

They released about 80 small skates into Saco Bay after watching them hatch inside the school’s lab. The students want to learn why numbers of the sea creatures are dropping, while also giving a boost to the skate stock.

They’re hoping the skates will thrive, mature and someday reproduce.

Researchers and students plan to return to the area in the spring to try to find the skates, which were injected with dye, and check on their progress.

Dr. James Sulikowski says skates are scavengers and help keep the ecosystem clean.

—

Information from: WCSH-TV, http://www.wcsh6.com

AP-ES-11-21-08 0740EST