IMIS - Marine Research Groups

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critical for the conservation of chondrichthyans (sharks and rays), offering refuges where these species can reproduce, feed, and grow with reduced anthropogenic pressures. Recent advancements in acoustic telemetry (AT) technology have facilitated the collection of long-term data on the movement patterns of marine species, providing a robust framework for evaluating the effectiveness of MPAs in conserving biodiversity, sustaining ecological functions, and supporting resource productivity in surrounding ecosystems. Here, we introduce the RATJADA project, which aims to investigate the role of MPAs in preserving the biodiversity of endangered batoid chondrichthyans (rays) in the Balearic Islands. This initiative will tag and track over 200 individuals from three taxonomic orders—Rajiformes, Myliobatiformes, and Torpediniformes—using long-term acoustic transmitters (>10 years). These tags will be deployed in collaboration with local fishers, with subsequent monitoring carried out by the Balearic Tracking Network over the following decade. The primary objective is to advance our understanding of how MPAs contribute to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological roles of batoid chondrichthyans, a taxonomic group of high conservation concern. Insights gained from this project will inform future conservation strategies and enhance the management of MPAs for long-term ecological sustainability.