Beach in Haifa Becomes Nursery for Endangered Atlantic Guitarfish

‘A nursery habitat is a natural area where animals, especially marine species, gather during the early stages of their lives.’

By Shula Rosen

A beach in Haifa may be the best hope for the endangered Atlantic guitarfish, whose numbers have dwindled due to overfishing.

A study undertaken by the Charney School of Marine Sciences at the University of Haifa found that The coastal strip between Ma’agan Michael and Dor Beach, south of Haifa, is proving an effective natural habitat for the endangered cartilaginous fish, which are continuously threatened by the use of nets in commercial fishing.

Researchers have observed that these fish gather between August and November.

Their distinctive look and flat bodies are distinctive, and their numbers may grow in the area, thanks to the beach’s suitability as a habitat for Atlantic guitarfish.

A nursery habitat is a natural area where animals, especially marine species, gather during the early stages of their lives,” explained doctoral candidate Einav Cohen, one of the study’s authors.

“Nursery habitats are defined as areas that enhance the survival of young animals by providing optimal conditions in terms of food, protection from predators, and shelter from extreme environmental factors. We hope that following our findings, this area will be designated as a nature reserve, synchronized with the period when young guitarfish gather here to protect them.”

The guitarfish face significant risks and hazards, particularly in the Mediterranean, where they are the vertebrate group at the highest risk of extinction.

The Atlantic guitarfish is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

However, there is hope that the guitarfish may at least partially replenish its numbers, given the viability of Haifa as a nursery habitat.

It fits the three criteria for a nursery habitat for these fish: juvenile guitarfish present during the gathering period, they remain in the area for an extended time, and these criteria are repeated.

Researchers hope that the initial recognition of Haifa beach as a nursery habitat will lead to its designation as a wildlife preserve.

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