The Andalusian coastline that encompasses the coasts of Cádiz and Huelva has been recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an essential space for the survival of the giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus). This designation of the Gulf of Cadiz as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) places the area on the global map of conservation of threatened marine species.
The measure comes in a delicate context for chondrichthyans - sharks, rays and chimeras -, of which More than a third of species face the risk of extinctionIn coastal environments, where 75% of threatened taxa are concentrated, human pressure, bycatch, and habitat degradation have driven the guitarrón to extinction along large stretches of the European coastline.
An ISRA area that protects a species at its limit
The ISRA rating awarded by the IUCN is not a simple label: recognizes the critical role of the Gulf of Cadiz for species in need of urgent action. In the case of the giant guitarfish, the area's shallow waters and sandy bottom make it an ideal refuge for its life cycle, especially during sensitive stages.
This cartilaginous fish, included in the Spanish List of Wild Species under Special Protection, suffers from accidental captures and habitat loss. The combined pressures have reduced its presence to the point where, in many parts of the continent, significant sightings are rarely recorded.
- Species listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.
- High vulnerability to bycatch and alteration of coastal habitats.
- 75% of threatened species live in coastal areas with heavy human pressure.
Science in motion: the impetus of the Glaucostegus Project
To reverse the trend, a multidisciplinary team has been working over the last few years to refine knowledge about the species. Glaucostegus Project, led by Dr. Jaime Penadés, has served to consolidate data on biology, ecology, and threats, and to propose a roadmap with improvement measures at both national and international levels.
In the words of the team itself, the ISRA statement validates research and monitoring efforts carried out in Spanish waters for six years, and helps prioritize actions that reduce risks and promote the recovery of the guitarrón.
The initiative has found a key ally in citizen science. Since 2018, Ángel Benítez, recreational fisherman and co-founder of the project, has coordinated the collection of data on accidental captures and sightings, surpassing 80 confirmed observations of a species of which there had been few records since 2008. His message is clear: with the collaboration of society, science advances faster.
Fieldwork has also uncovered problems that go unnoticed: they have found remains of guitarrones on beaches, a sign of poaching that requires more surveillance and inspections to reduce mortality in a strictly protected species.
The effort is collective. Collaborating entities include the Oceanogràfic Foundation, the Azul Marino Foundation, the Seville Aquarium and the Lamna Association, as well as administrations and other agents that support research and awareness-raising.
What the designation means for management and conservation
The declaration of the Gulf of Cadiz as an ISRA guides conservation priorities: focus on monitoring, applied research and education, and promote measures to reduce accidental capture and ensure compliance with the legal protection of the guitarrón in Spain.
According to the scientific team, the IUCN recognition sets a clear roadmap to strengthen the protection of the guitarrón both nationally and through international cooperation initiatives, improving monitoring tools and protocols for sightings or fishing interactions.
Citizenship and the fishing sector, key pieces
The progress achieved since 2018 shows that the involvement of fishermen and observers on the coast It makes a difference. Reporting sightings with photos, communicating accidental captures, and sharing useful information with the research team helps identify patterns and take action where it's most needed.
Collaboration with brotherhoods and recreational vessels provides valuable data on the presence, sizes, and periods of the year when the bass is most susceptible to interacting with fishing gear, essential information for adjusting recommendations and reducing risks.
Immediate challenges in a pressure environment
Despite progress, challenges remain. The combination of Fishing pressure, loss of coastal habitats and poaching This requires us to remain vigilant. Prioritizing inspections, improving scientific monitoring, and institutional coordination remain essential to consolidating results.
With the Gulf of Cadiz already designated as a key area by the IUCN, there is an opportunity to channel resources, strengthen alliances, and accelerate measures to address accidental capture, strengthen surveillance, and increase the impact of social awareness.
Recognition of the Gulf of Cadiz as a functional sanctuary for the giant guitarfish puts Andalusia back at the forefront of chondrichthyan conservation in Europe: a commitment based on evidence, a network of support, and a citizenry that responds when invited to participate.
