Stellaris projecte

STELLARIS PROJECT: CONSERVATION OF THE NURSEHOUND AND OTHER OVIPAROUS ELASMOBRANCHS SPECIES IN THE CAP DE CREUS NATURAL PARK.

The nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris) typically inhabits coralligenous rocky bottoms at depths ranging from 20 to 63 meters, although it has been recorded at depths of up to 380 meters (Ebert et al., 2020; Micarelli & Reinero, 2021; Finucci et al., 2021).

Females of this species deposit their eggs on stable substrates, most notably on red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) (Micarelli & Reinero, 2021).

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the nursehound is classified as vulnerable, with a global population decline estimated at 30% to 49% over the past 48 years (Finucci et al., 2021).

This situation is particularly concerning in the Mediterranean, where drastic declines of over 90% have been documented in some areas, underscoring the severity of the  specie’s decline in this region (Finucci et al., 2021).

Even so, the nursehound is still considered a species of fishing interest in Catalonia.

The lack of specific protection measures places its survival at risk.

The main goal of the project is to restore the population of nursehounds (Scyliorhinus stellaris) in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. This is a pilot initiative in Catalonia with a minimum duration of two years, encompassing research, conservation, and environmental education.

Secondary objectives include the recovery of egg cases from other shark species (Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus canicula), as well as from various ray species (Raja clavata, Raja undulata, Raja brachyura, Raja asterias, Raja miraletus, Raja polystigma, Raja montagui, Leucoraja fullonica, Leucoraja naevus, Rostroraja alba, Dipturus oxyrinchus).

The project consists of three phases:

• Phase 1: Recovery of nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris) egg cases as those of other oviparous sharks and rays, collected as bycatch in the waters of the Cap de Creus Natural Park and surrounding areas.
• Phase 2: Incubation of the eggs in aquariums located in Cadaqués (Sotamar and Mas Caials facilities)
• Phase 3: Release of the hatchlings into the marine environment, within Cap de Creus Natural Park, in areas designated by the park’s management. 

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the fishing sector, specifically with the fishermen’s associations of Llançà, El Port de la Selva, Cadaqués, and Roses, as well as the Cap de Creus fisheries co-management committee.

The project involves the Government of Catalonia through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the Directorate General for Environmental Policies and Natural Heritage, the Directorate General for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries, and Forestal Catalana S.A.

The project is funded by a grant from the Barcelona Zoo Foundation and also benefits from the collaboration of the ICM-CSIC.

Breeding, handling and reintroduction protocol for Scyliorhinus stellaris and other shark and ray species

Resolution of the authorization by the General Director of Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Government of Catalonia.