Conservation project launched for the blackchin guitarfish in Cyprus

In June 2026, a new marine conservation project titled 'Mark, Measure, Conserve: Empowering Fishers to Monitor the Critically Endangered Blackchin Guitarfish in Cyprus' was initiated. The project is implemented by the Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab with financial support from the Cyprus Environment Foundation (CEF) and MUSKITA Aluminium Industries. The initiative is part of MUSKITA's corporate social responsibility program. Its primary goal is to address the significant knowledge gaps regarding the presence, migratory movements, and population trends of the blackchin guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) in Cypriot waters. Activities include data collection, monitoring, animal tagging, and awareness campaigns involving local fishers. The species is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to severe population declines across its range. Researchers aim to use the gathered data to strengthen future protection measures for the species.