Identification of skates, rays and mantas off the coast of São Miguel Island, Azores : preliminary study of potential tourist development (scientific period of training)

Garcia, Sabrina Angelic Moreira

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/204

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Authors

Garcia, Sabrina Angelic Moreira

Abstract(s)

Rajiformes are a group within the cartilaginous fish that have become increasingly studied over the last decades. However, these animals still remain poorly studied in the archipelago of the Azores. Little is known about their assemblages, biology, social structure etc. This study has given us a glimpse of the more common species that exist off the Coast of São Miguel Island and their possible seasonal variation considering the fact that they appeared scarce during the winter months (February to May 2008) and more abundant during the summer. D. pastinaca and Myliobatis aquila were the only species registered during the dives carried out for this work, from February to September 2008, while Mobula mobular was registered during whale-watching trips. Information on the potential touristic interest was also gathered from questionnaires handed out to the stakeholders, where a high (almost 50%) interest was shown in this activity. 85% of the people that were questioned showed they would be willing to participate in dives with rays, skates and manta-rays and pay the same or more compared to normal dives. This information is important, however, more studies on these animals‟ behaviour need to be undertaken.