Common stingray's (Dasyatis pastinaca) first recorded and studied nursery area in Greece.

Abstract

Elasmobranchs, including the common stingray, are pivotal components of marine ecosystems, yet much remains to be understood about their habitat requirements and life history characteristics. The identification and investigation of nursery areas are critical for effective conservation and management, as these areas offer essential resources for the early life stages, contributing significantly to population sustainability.

A nursery area of Common stingrays has been discovered in Liri Beach in 2018, on the eastern coast of central Greece. Adults and juveniles have been recorded at depths of 3 to 6 meters depth on a sandy soil bed.
By employing field surveys, we have explored the presence and attributes of the common stingray's nursery area in the region. Our findings unveil a shallow, nearshore region that provides optimal environmental conditions for the growth and development of juvenile stingrays. These habitats afford protection against predation and facilitate access to abundant food resources, ensuring the successful survival and subsequent recruitment of young individuals into the adult population.
Furthermore, we have examined the ecological interactions and connectivity between the identified nursery area in Central Greece and the surrounding habitats, underscoring the significance of considering broader ecological networks for effective conservation planning. By comprehending the spatial dynamics and connectivity patterns, we can devise strategies to safeguard and manage these critical areas, securing the long-term viability of the common stingray population.

Full text

Common stingray's (Dasyatis
pastinaca) first recorded and
studied nursery area in Greece.
Elasmobranchs, including the common stingray, are pivotal components of marine ecosystems, yet
much remains to be understood about their habitat requirements and life history characteristics. The
identification and investigation of nursery areas are critical for effective conservation and
management, as these areas offer essential resources for the early life stages, contributing
significantly to population sustainability.
A nursery area of Common stingrays has been discovered in Liri Beach in 2018, on the eastern
coast of central Greece. Adults and juveniles have been recorded at depths of 3 to 6 meters depth on
a sandy soil bed.
By employing field surveys, we have explored the presence and attributes of the common stingray's
nursery area in the region. Our findings unveil a shallow, nearshore region that provides optimal
environmental conditions for the growth and development of juvenile stingrays. These habitats
afford protection against predation and facilitate access to abundant food resources, ensuring the
successful survival and subsequent recruitment of young individuals into the adult population.
Furthermore, we have examined the ecological interactions and connectivity between the identified
nursery area in Central Greece and the surrounding habitats, underscoring the significance of
considering broader ecological networks for effective conservation planning. By comprehending the
spatial dynamics and connectivity patterns, we can devise strategies to safeguard and manage these
critical areas, securing the long-term viability of the common stingray population.
Keywords: Common stingray, Dasyatis pastinaca, Nursery area,