The population of the west Atlantic pygmy devil ray is suspected to be declining throughout its range due to being taken as bycatch, and the species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Since so little is known about its biology and ecology, this project provides an opportunity to collect critical data in north-western Florida, where these ‘mini manta rays’ are regularly seen in shallow water in winter, and to raise public awareness about the species’ conservation. Kim and Atlantine are investigating how many populations of pygmy devil ray exist in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and if they are connected. They want to know about their diet, their place in the food web and their movement patterns.
9 янв 2024
