POST RELEASE MORTALITY

The protected status of manta and devil rays means that their capture and mortality should be avoided or minimized. In order to facilitate the live release of Mobula rays that are caught as bycatch in artisanal fisheries, we are investigating the survival rate of Mobulas liberated from small-scale fishing gear. Using acoustic tags, we aim to detect released Mobula rays on an acoustic receiver array in order to confirm their survival in the Gulf of California. Working with artisanal fishermen, we aim to establish best practices to liberate the rays and increase chances for survival.