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

• Grant number: 25/14684-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: January 08, 2026
• End date: August 07, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Marine Fishing Resources
• Principal Investigator: Domingos Garrone Neto
• Grantee: Luiza de David Chelotti
• Supervisor: Lucas Griffin
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB-CLP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista. São Vicente , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of South Florida (USF), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/18047-5 - Spatial and temporal dynamics of rays in Southwestern Atlantic island systems: a study based on multiple methodological approaches, BP.DR

Abstract

Rays are important mesopredators in marine ecosystems, regulating prey populations and thus contributing to the genetic quality of biodiversity and, consequently, to the health of the oceans. Rays also have a significant socioeconomic importance for fishing communities and the recreational diving industry. Although they are caught by various types of fisheries, rays are highly susceptible to overfishing due to their intrinsic biological traits. Currently, they are among the most threatened groups of vertebrates on the planet (with 36% of species at risk), making them a priority target for research and conservation efforts worldwide. The low taxonomic resolution of fishery landings and the lack of research focused on this group strongly affects our understanding about the biology of ray species along the Brazilian coast. In this context, the present project has the following objectives: (i) to investigate, through a citizen science program, the occurrence and relative abundance of rays in three protected island systems in the State of São Paulo (Alcatrazes Archipelago, Laje de Santos, and Queimada Grande Island), aiming to identify the main abiotic factors (predictors) influencing the presence of species in these study areas; (ii) to describe the spatial and temporal dynamics of the groovebelly stingray (Dasyatis hypostigma) and the spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) at the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge, combining acoustic telemetry with baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs). The completion of this internship abroad, through the Research Internship Abroad Fellowship (BEPE), will be essential to enhance methodologies in acoustic telemetry and the analysis of spatial and temporal data, as well as to foster scientific exchange with international research groups specialized in these areas. This experience will directly contribute to the technical and scientific development of the project, strengthening the capacity for data analysis and interpretation generated in Brazil. Therefore, the project aims to produce novel knowledge on the ecology of rays in key Marine Conservation Units, with the goal of supporting adaptive management of these areas, aligning research and conservation for the sustainability of marine ecosystems. (AU)