Mediterranean Rays
The Mediterranean is a hotspot of extinction risk for chondrichthyans (sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras), making it a priority region for conservation action. Of the 73 species of Mediterranean chondrichthyans assessed by IUCN, 50% of rays and 54% of sharks face an elevated risk of extinction.
Some of the threatened species in the region include:
Spiny Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela)
A large coastal ray with a conservative life history, the Spiny Butterfly Ray is vulnerable to fishing pressure. Abundance has declined significantly over the past 33 years.
Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular)
A mobulid with largescale movements and a conservative life history, the Giant Devil Ray is vulnerable to fishing pressure. Populations have declined significantly over the past 38 years.
