Skates have been reported in New England fishery landings
since the late 1800s. Skates, Family Rajidae, are distributed throughout
the Northwest Atlantic from near the tide line to depths exceeding 700 m (383
fathoms). Members of this family lay eggs that are enclosed in a hard,
leathery case commonly called a mermaid's purse. Incubation time is 6 to
12 months, with the young having the adult form at the time of hatching.