The critically endangered halavi guitarfish could be extinct in a few years’ time if nothing is done to save it, say scientists
Scientists are racing against the clock to protect a fish with a trowel for a face before time runs out for this critically endangered species.
Professor Carlos Duarte is leading a team of experts at Red Sea Global trying to save the halavi guitarfish (Glaucostegus halavi). Without intervention, this critically endangered ray could be extinct in just a few years.
“The halavi guitarfish’s unique, otherworldly appearance disguises their huge importance to the planet’s biodiversity, in which they play a vital role as both predator and prey in oceans around the world,” says Red Sea Global.
“Found in the Indo-West Pacific region, they are a captivating species of ray, but face endangerment globally, primarily due to their low reproductive rate, overfishing and bycatch caused by humans.”
Duarte and his team are using advanced technologies, including acoustic tagging and smart monitoring systems to understand the movement of these rays in Al Wajh lagoon, Saudi Arabia, to inform protections.
They are also creating dedicated nursery areas within the lagoon to protect juvenile guitarfish, and other species, from larger predators.
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