Common Stingray Survey in Liri Beach (Greece) | September 24, 2025

CC-BY Chris Taklis - Dasyatis pastinaca

Today, we carried out a focused marine survey at Liri Beach, South Pelion, at 4-meters depth, dedicated to the observation and documentation of the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca). This species is a familiar yet often overlooked inhabitant of Mediterranean coastal waters, and our aim is to better understand its local presence, behavior, and habitat preferences.

About the Common Stingray

The Common Stingray is a benthic species, usually resting on sandy or muddy seabeds, often partially buried and well camouflaged. It can grow up to 140 cm in length, with a disc-shaped body and a long whip-like tail that carries a venomous spine used for defense. Although generally non-aggressive, stingrays can inflict painful stings if disturbed, which makes observing them with care essential.

They feed mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fish, playing an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of benthic communities. In Greece, they are considered relatively common, but systematic data on their abundance and seasonal movements are still limited.

CC-BY Chris Taklis - Dasyatis pastinaca

Why This Survey Matters

Documenting species like the Common Stingray contributes to a better understanding of the biodiversity of South Pelion’s coastal ecosystems. With increasing human activity in coastal areas, especially during the tourist season, continuous monitoring helps assess potential pressures on marine life and informs conservation efforts.

Next Steps
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Data collected today will be added to our ongoing marine monitoring records. Future surveys will aim to determine whether the Common Stingray population in Liri is stable, seasonal, or subject to fluctuations related to environmental changes.