A new study has highlighted the urgent need to reinforce the protection of sharks and rays in the Balearic Sea to ensure the conservation of these key species and the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
DID YOU LIKE THIS CONTENT? WELL... YOU HAVE ALL OF OUR FULL PROGRAMS HERE!The research, titled “Sharks and Rays in the Cabrera National Park: Study of Their Diversity, Abundance, Seasonality, and Movement Patterns Using Non-Invasive Techniques,” was presented on Tuesday, November 11, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment. It represents the most comprehensive investigation to date on these species in Balearic waters.
The project was carried out by Shark Med and the Save the Med Foundation, with the support of the Marilles Foundation, and financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment through a grant from the Autonomous Agency for National Parks, using Next Generation EU funds.
Over the course of two years, the study applied innovative and environmentally friendly methods, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV), environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and satellite tagging of manta rays.
“This data collection method is new to our waters and allows us to obtain precise and highly valuable information without interfering with the animals’ natural behavior,” said Dr. Eric Clua, Scientific Director of Shark Med.
Researchers analyzed around 3,500 hours of video footage, recorded both day and night, identifying 12 species of rays and 5 species of sharks. For the first time, live images of the smalltooth sand tiger shark were documented in the Balearic Islands, a deep-sea species that can reach up to five meters in length.
Satellite tracking of three manta rays also revealed migratory routes and movement patterns, providing key insights into population connectivity across the Mediterranean.
The study found a low presence of large pelagic sharks: most sightings were of blue sharks (17 in total over the year), while other open-water species such as the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) appeared only occasionally.
Within the park, the most frequent species were the small-spotted catshark, rough ray, common stingray, and eagle ray, which accounted for 80% of recorded elasmobranchs. In contrast, species such as the smooth-hound and gulper shark were rare or absent.
Among the most notable findings were the high number of rough rays (25 individuals) and the first images ever recorded in the Balearic Islands of the white skate, a species classified as endangered in the Mediterranean.
According to marine biologist Gabriel Morey, Scientific Director of Save the Med, “The data reinforces the need to step up protection efforts to ensure the conservation of these species and improve the overall health of the marine ecosystem.”
Anna Torres, Director General for the Natural Environment and Forest Management, emphasized that “This study is an example of scientific excellence applied to environmental management and provides a solid foundation for guiding the Balearic Government’s marine conservation policies.”
She also noted that the results show some signs of recovery, the outcome of recent management measures, but warned that shark and ray populations remain far from a favorable conservation status.
Finally, Torres reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “The Govern will continue working with the scientific community and specialized organizations to strengthen the protection of these species and secure a sustainable future for the Balearic Sea.”
In a second phase, researchers plan to expand the dataset and explore new sampling areas to further refine the understanding of shark and ray populations across the Balearic Islands.
Watch the videos: https://bit.ly/EstudiTaurons
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