Spatial and temporal dynamics of rays in Southwestern Atlantic island systems: a study based on multiple methodological approaches

• Grant number: 23/18047-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Marine Fishing Resources
• Principal Investigator: Domingos Garrone Neto
• Grantee: Luiza de David Chelotti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB-CLP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista. São Vicente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Rays are important mesopredators of the marine ecosystem, regulating the population of their prey and thus guaranteeing the genetic quality of biodiversity and the health of the oceans. Rays also have socioeconomic importance for fishing communities and the recreational diving production chain. Although they are captured by different types of fisheries, rays are susceptible to overfishing due to their intrinsic biological characteristics. They are currently among the groups of vertebrates most threatened with extinction on the planet (36% of species), being priority targets for research and conservation actions in the world. The low taxonomic resolution of fishing landings and the lack of research focused on the group make it extremely difficult to understand the biology of ray species on the Brazilian coast. In this context, the project aims to: i. investigate the occurrence and relative abundance of Myliobatiformes rays in three protected island systems in the State of São Paulo (Arquipélago de Alcatrazes, Laje de Santos and Ilha da Queimada Grande) through a citizen science program, seeking to identify the main abiotic factors (drivers) that influence the presence of species in these study areas; ii) describe the spatial and temporal dynamics of stingray (Dasyatis hypostigma) and Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the Alcatrazes Wildlife Refuge, combining acoustic telemetry with baited remote underwater video (BRUV). The proposal will produce knowledge about the ecology of rays in important Marine Protected Areas from southeastern Brazil to contributing to the adaptive management of these areas. (AU)