Wildlife Recovery Survey: identifying key nursery grounds for the common stingray in post-flood Pelion

© Chris Taklis - Dasyatis pastinaca

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were not just a natural disaster; they were an ecological event with profound implications for the region's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Among the many species affected by the floods, the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) has drawn particular attention, especially the juveniles that we were fortunate to document during the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece).

The Importance of Juvenile Stingrays

​Juvenile stingrays are a critical indicator of the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests successful breeding and a suitable environment for growth and development. In the context of Pelion, the discovery of juvenile Common Stingrays is particularly significant because it indicates that, despite the ecological upheaval caused by the floods, the conditions in the coastal waters still support the early life stages of this species. 

This observation was made today, September 3, 2024, at the beach of Theotokos in South Pelion, Greece.​ Additionally, the nearby beach of Liri holds the distinction of being the first officially recorded and studied nursery area for the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in Greece.

Stingrays, like many marine species, have specific habitat requirements during their juvenile phase. They typically prefer shallow, sheltered areas with abundant food and low predation pressure, often favoring seabeds composed of mixed sediments, including sand and rocks. These areas provide not only sustenance but also refuge, which is vital for their survival.

© Chris Taklis - Dasyatis pastinaca

The Impact of Habitat Changes on Juvenile Stingrays

The floods in Pelion dramatically altered the seafloor composition at Theotokos beach, transforming a significant portion of the seafloor from a rocky to a predominantly sandy substrate. This change can significantly impact juvenile stingrays for several reasons:

1. Loss of Shelter: Rocky substrates offer crevices and hiding spots that juvenile stingrays use to avoid predators. A shift to a sandy bottom reduces these refuges, potentially increasing predation rates on young stingrays.
   
   
2. Altered Food Availability: The composition of benthic (seafloor) communities can change with the substrate. Rocky areas typically host a variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks, which are key prey items for juvenile stingrays. A sandy substrate might not support the same diversity or abundance of these prey species, leading to nutritional stress for the stingrays.
   
   
3. Breeding and Nursery Grounds: The suitability of breeding and nursery grounds is critical for the continuation of stingray populations. If the altered seabed conditions are less conducive to supporting juveniles, it could lead to a decline in local stingray populations over time.

© Chris Taklis - Dasyatis pastinaca

The Need for Continued Research and Conservation

To ensure the survival of the Common Stingray and other marine species in Pelion, it is essential to continue studying these habitat changes and their impacts on local wildlife. Conservation efforts may need to include habitat restoration or protection measures, such as creating artificial reefs to replace lost rocky substrates, or enforcing stricter fishing regulations to protect vulnerable juvenile populations.

The resilience of nature is remarkable, as evidenced by the survival of these juvenile stingrays, but it is not infallible. Active management and conservation efforts will be key to ensuring that Pelion’s marine ecosystems can fully recover and continue to support diverse and thriving wildlife populations.