First European Study of the Guitar Fish, a Critically Endangered Species Worldwide, Begins in Andalusia
The Oceanogràfic Foundation, along with several Spanish scientific and conservation entities, including the Seville Aquarium, has initiated a pioneering project in Europe to study the giant guitar fish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) in Andalusian waters, specifically in the coastal areas of Doñana National Park and Los Toruños Natural Park in Cádiz.
This initiative represents a major advance in research and conservation as it is the first time this species, categorized as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is being studied in its natural environment. In fact, the guitar fish family is one of the most threatened groups globally, surpassed only by sawfish and amphibians.
Therefore, this project's main objective is to understand key aspects of its biology and ecology, such as its distribution, reproduction patterns, and permanence in the study areas, in order to carry out conservation strategies for the species.
Dr. Jaime Penadés, a research collaborator at the Oceanogràfic Foundation, explains that “with this study we will be able to obtain precise information about a species for which we had no data in Andalusia or Europe and help protect it worldwide”.
In fact, another objective is to develop an ex situ breeding program thanks to the collaboration with European aquariums, as well as an awareness campaign to educate the population about the current state of the species and thus prevent future captures for consumption.
This project is a joint effort involving various organizations and experts in the field such as the Oceanogràfic Foundation, Seville Aquarium, Azul Marino Foundation, LAMNA Association, the Agricultural and Fisheries Training Institute of the Andalusian Government (IFAPA), Doñana Biological Station, Seashore Fauna, and technicians from the marine environment team of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
Four Years of Data Collection
The initiative began in 2018 when fisherman Ángel Benítez received a video recorded by an individual on Doñana beach, showing 30 specimens of this species aggregated on the shore. Given the importance of the sighting, from that date until 2022, Benítez collected more data on observations and accidental catches that he shared with the LAMNA Association and the Oceanogràfic Foundation, thus triggering the start of the guitar fish study project with a first prospecting campaign in 2022.
The Guitar of the Sea
On April 14, 2023, an awareness and education campaign for the guitar fish conservation was launched at the Seville Aquarium. Under the title “The Guitar of the Sea”, various actions were carried out so that visitors could learn about this fascinating animal that inhabits the Andalusian coasts, its characteristics, and its threats.
“This campaign has been an opportunity for us to bring Andalusians and other Spanish visitors closer to the giant guitar fish. A species previously unknown to them and now emblematic, which has allowed us to directly involve them in its protection” affirms Susana Montero, education director of the Seville Aquarium.
A Total of 18 Animals Studied in the First Campaign
It was this summer, specifically last June, when the first campaign for capturing, tagging, and data collection of guitar fish was carried out on Valdelagrana beach, within Los Toruños Natural Park, in the Gulf of Cádiz.
The choice of this location was based on citizen science data indicating a high incidence of accidental catches of guitar fish in the area. It also supports IFAPA's acoustic tagging program, within the European STRAITS project, directed by Dr. César Vilas.
For this purpose, a multidisciplinary team of sport fishermen, fishing technicians, educators, veterinarians, and biologists traveled to Valdelagrana to participate in the first campaign, in which they were able to work with 18 animals.
Collected Data and Future of the Project
During the day, researchers took photographs, blood samples, measurements, and weight, determined the sex of each individual, and obtained samples to study the genetics of the species. The technicians placed visual markers on their fins that will allow tracking their movements if they are found again and to better understand their migration patterns and behavior.
The project will continue with biannual sampling campaigns and coastal local outreach actions. Additionally, the use of acoustic tags is planned from the end of this year. These tags will help track the movements of guitarfish more precisely, thanks to the installation of receiver buoys by IFAPA in the Bay of Cádiz and at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.
Furthermore, by 2026, researchers expect to have an accurate estimate of the guitarfish population in Spanish waters, which will significantly contribute to conservation efforts and the understanding of their ecology.