GoKawiilNaasan Aga-Spyridopoulou then measures the animals’ size and weight, and, if possible, determines their sex and maturity. Finally, the animals are tagged with a dart tag carrying a unique code and a telephone number that fishers and the public can use to report sightings. So far, at least 361 animals have been tagged and released over a four-year period. “When I disentangle a shark or a ray from the nets I feel both responsibility and awe. Its survival depends on careful handling,” says Naasan Aga-Spyridopoulou. “At release, I feel I have done what I can and life will take its course.” Early results from the study are promising: there has been a relatively high recapture rate, especially for the common smooth-hound shark (Mustelus mustelus), which suggests good long-term survival rates.
Saving sharks and rays, one catch at a time — in photos
Why This Matters
This initiative highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices and innovative conservation efforts in protecting sharks and rays. By involving both scientists and the public, it fosters greater awareness and responsibility towards marine life, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. The use of tagging technology also provides valuable data to inform future conservation strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Tagging sharks and rays helps monitor their populations and survival rates.
- Public involvement through reporting sightings supports conservation efforts.
- Early results indicate promising long-term survival for tagged species.
Explore topics:
shark tagging
ray conservation
mustelus mustelus
fishery monitoring
naasan aga-spyridopoulou
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