Conservación En curso

Conservation of Sharks and Rays

European Bestlife project to protect sharks and rays in the Canary Islands. Species identification, population monitoring and citizen science for conservation.

Protecting Marine Biodiversity in the Canary Islands

The project "Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands: A Scientific Approach and Stakeholder Review" was created to address the urgent need to gather and analyze scientific data on sharks and rays in the Canary Islands. With 45% of species endangered and 20% lacking sufficient data, immediate action is essential.

Project Objectives

The project focuses on collecting and analyzing data on 78 species of elasmobranchs in the Canary Islands to identify threats and information gaps, developing a vulnerability map. It will also promote a consensus-based conservation strategy and encourage outreach and environmental education.

Benefits and Expected Results

Expand knowledge about the biology, ecology, and threats facing elasmobranchs.
Foster communication among all stakeholders for coordinated and sustainable action.
Reduce mortality and disturbance of vulnerable species through environmental education actions.

The integration of these efforts will enable the definition of effective protection measures and generate lasting alliances for marine conservation in the Canary Islands.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Data Collection

Gather published and unpublished data on 78 elasmobranch species to create a vulnerability map and identify research gaps.

Conservation Strategy

Coordinate with scientists, authorities, and economic sectors to develop a consensus-based strategy based on the best available evidence.

Outreach and Education

Raise awareness among the population, especially in the fishing and tourism sectors, about the importance of these animals for the balance of marine ecosystems.

Pressure Map

Creation of a pressure map overlaid on the abundance map to determine species vulnerability.

Data Review and Collection

Review of bycatch data provided by the Directorate General of Fisheries and surveys of recreational fishermen, and compilation on the number of fishing, diving, and sighting companies conducting shark-related activities.

Collaboration

Collaboration with active elasmobranch research projects in the Canary Islands.

Workshops

Conduct workshops with fishermen associations, diving centers, sighting tourism operators, and the general public to share information.

pAoI Development

Develop alongside scientists and administration a preliminary proposal of Areas of Interest (pAoI) for 'Important Shark and Rays Areas' in the Canary Islands.

Educational Materials

Develop educational materials on the importance of shark and ray conservation for ecosystem balance and marine litter prevention, targeting the fishing and tourism sectors.

Short Film

Create and disseminate a short film about the importance of protecting sharks and rays and the projects developed in the Canary Islands.

Strategy Formulation

Formulation of consensus-based conservation strategies based on the best available scientific evidence.

Protection Measures Proposal

Development of a proposal for protection measures for different elasmobranch species.

Citizen Surveillance

Promote citizen surveillance and provide means for reporting illegal fishing or activities harmful to species through social media or the 112 emergency service.

Equipo

Alicia Herrera Ulibarri

Doctora en Oceanografía — Investigadora de microplásticos

Doctora en Oceanografía e investigadora postdoctoral especializada en microplásticos marinos. Su trabajo científico en la ULPGC aporta datos fundamentales sobre la contaminación por plásticos en Canarias, nutriendo las campañas de sensibilización y las acciones de limpieza de Latitud Azul con evidencia rigurosa.

Rayco Guedes Alonso

Doctor en Química Analítica

Doctor en Química Analítica por la ULPGC, especializado en el estudio de microcontaminantes en aguas residuales y su impacto en el medio marino. Su trabajo combina la investigación académica con la acción medioambiental directa, aportando rigor científico a los proyectos de Latitud Azul.

Mariam Lezcano Monzón

Educadora social y fotógrafa activista

Educadora social especializada en proyectos de igualdad y coeducación, y fotógrafa activista. Lidera los proyectos de Latitud Azul que conectan la perspectiva de género con la defensa del medio marino, como "La Mar, una mirada en femenino". Su mirada artística da voz a las mujeres del mar canario.

Maite Asensio Elvira

Oceanógrafa y directora de ecoturismo

Licenciada en Ciencias del Mar y técnica medioambiental especializada en ecoturismo marino. Directora de Snorkeling Experience y coordinadora de proyectos de custodia marina de Latitud Azul. Trabaja por acercar el conocimiento del océano a la ciudadanía a través de la ciencia y la experiencia directa.

Borja Aguiar González

Investigador en ECOAQUA - ULPGC

Se formó en Ciencias del Mar, completó un Doctorado en Oceanografía y se especializó en Meteorología. Ha trabajado en diversas instituciones tanto en España como en el extranjero. Su labor se centra en la monitorización de tiburones y rayas y el análisis de parámetros medioambientales.

David Jiménez Alvarado

Investigador Postdoctoral IU-ECOAQUA - ULPGC

Doctor en Ciencias del Mar. Sus líneas de investigación se centran en la biología y ecología de los elasmobranquios y la pesca. Autor de múltiples publicaciones científicas.