The Spiny Butterfly Ray, Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758), is a rare and lesser-known elasmobranch, characterized by its distinctive body shape, which is approximately twice as wide as it is long. This species is critically endangered in the Mediterranean, with significant population declines estimated at over 80% over the past two decades (Walls et al., 2016). It is also presumed to be absent from much of the northern Mediterranean, including the Adriatic Sea, due to the lack of records during the Mediterranean International Trawl Surveys (Baino et al., 2001; Dulvy et al., 2021). The Spiny Butterfly Ray was frequently encountered in the Adriatic Sea during the 19th century, but records of the species nearly disappeared in the 20th century (Kolombatović, 1886; Dulčić et al., 2003). There were no records of the species in the Adriatic Sea prior to our research.

The primary objective of this project is to investigate the frequency and abundance of the Spiny Butterfly Ray, and additionally, to confirm, map, and characterize key habitats. We will assess and comprehend the impact of unregulated and destructive fisheries. Furthermore, we aim to unravel the effects of pollution on disease development and individual immunological responses in the context of broader environmental pressures. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, we will provide proper education and raise awareness within local communities and among fishermen regarding the critical importance of this species. This will include guidance on accurate species identification, appropriate handling techniques, and strategies to enhance post-capture survival rates.

Through extensive and systematic field research, our team recorded a gravid female in Vlore, Albania, carrying seven near-term fetuses (Gajić et al., 2023). Subsequently, four more individuals were recorded including another near-term female and juveniles, suggesting the structured population with a nursery area off Vlore in Albania (Gajić & Karalić, 2024). In the past several months, following the paper, seven novel individuals were recorded. Moreover, we have conducted over 25 educational workshops for local fishermen. These educational efforts have proven highly successful, with participating fishermen successfully recording and releasing the species, including large, late-stage gravid females.  The results obtained will facilitate the inclusion of the species in the updated Red List of Albania. Furthermore, through our work in UNEP MAP - Barcelona Convention and EUSAIR, we will endeavor to develop species-specific measures for the long-term in-situ conservation of the Spiny Butterfly Ray in the Adriatic Sea – acting before it is too late.

The project has attracted significnat media attention and our results and activities were featured across Europe and were translated in more than five languages. The significance of the project is further highlighted by the fact that the major European broadcaster, ARTE TV, filmed a 30-minute documentary about our work, including coverage of the Spiny Butterfly Ray and the fishermen's engagement in community conservation.  

CITED PAPERS:
Gajić, A., Karalić, E., Beširović, H., & Sulikowski, J. (2023). The first record of gravid Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the northern Mediterranean, with description of near-term foetuses. Journal of Fish Biology, 102(6): 1506 - 1509.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfb.15387

Gajić, A., & Karalić, E. (2024). Rediscovery and urgent conservation needs for critically endangered Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the Adriatic Sea. Animal Conservation, 27, 581-584.

https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12964?af=R