Bull Rays in Malta
Bull Rays sighting research in Malta
Sharklab Malta presentation at ATLAM SAC on 6th August 2020, urging member divers to record sightings of Bull Rays in Malta and also urge authorities to offer protection, since their numbers are declining.
To record and report a Bull Ray sighting and any other Ray sightings
Report a Ray link or visit Sharklab Malta
In a statement later, Nature Trust – FEE Malta and Sharklab Malta said that as is the case with many other species in the Mediterranean, the Bull ray risks becoming extinct. It is currently listed as data deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list, which means it is so rare for people to see that there is no data on it.
Bull rays have a diamond-shaped outline and resemble the Eagle ray but have blue stripes across their back. They fly through the water, skimming the bottom, moving their wings like a bird.
Sharklab Malta recorded the first sighting of a Bull ray in Maltese waters less than 10 years ago and is a founder of an international research project. Very little is known about Bull rays but this project is identifying and cataloguing Bull ray sightings in Malta, the Azores, Canary Islands, South Africa and Portugal, with more countries joining the project each year. The project identifies individuals using the blue striped markings on their dorsal surface. This project is funded by National Geographic and the Oceanario de Lisboa.
“We believe that Malta is a nursery area for Bull rays as juveniles have been seen here, in many of the sandy bays around the island. They are vulnerable as they live in relatively shallow waters 1-30 metres and they are slow-moving,” the two NGOs said in their joint statement as they urged the local environment authorities to afford the species special protection.
Other links Fly with Bulls
