Sharkmed Project
Sharkmed Project
Palma de Mallorca
Cabrera Archipelago
Sharks and Rays Project in the Marine-Terrestrial Park of the Cabrera Archipelago (PNMTAC): study of their diversity, abundance, seasonality and movement patterns using non-invasive techniques during the next two years (2024-2025), with the aim of better understanding the current situation of various species of sharks and rays. Once the results of this project have been obtained, it is intended to disseminate the information at an international level to promote the implementation of management measures that guarantee the conservation of these species.
Expedition Overview:
In this study, the methodology used to obtain information is based on three key aspects: the generation of remote-baited underwater video images through BRUVs, the extraction of environmental DNA through the filtering of water samples, and the marking of devil fishes with satellite marks.
Baited remote underwater video images, BRUVs, is a technique used to study the is a technique used to study the abundance and richness of different marine carnivorous species, which consists of a metal structure where one of its axes has a camera at one end and at the other a piece of bait.
Environmental DNA has been established as a reference tool due to its effectiveness in the detection of species, especially when their abundances are very scarce or almost non-existent. It is obtained from the filtering of different water samples taken at different locations and depths, without the need for any contact or visual registration with the organisms.
The tagging of Spine Tail Devil Rays will be carried out in immersion, either in apnea, or with an autonomous diver. The marks will be implanted on the back of the Spine Tail Devil Rays by means of a rod propelled by elastic bands. Under no circumstances will individuals be captured, immobilised or manipulated in any way.
The team of Shark Med constitutes a solid and balanced entity for the study and conservation of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean due to its technical, logistical and scientific knowledge acquired from a long career of its members in different countries. If we add to this coordination effort with other entities such as Save the Med, we obtain a very powerful multidisciplinary group capable of carrying out the most demanding projects, as is the case with the present proposal.
LOCATIONS
Palma, Mallorca Island
Cabrera National Park
DATES & BERTHS
September - October
2024
June - July 2025
5 berths
SHIPS EQUIPMENT
Tender
Long Anchor chain
SCIENTIFIC TEAM
Gabriel Morey- Scientific director of benthic BRUVs
Agustí Torres Domenge - President of Shark Med. Technical specialist in BRUVs and audiovisual production
An additional team of multimedia specialists will also join the expedition. Images and videos will be used for science, outreach and policy objectives.