Uncovering the mystery of
stingray day to day
Odds are you've seen a stingray, or at least heard about them, but how much do you actually know about them? The truth is, we know very little about the lives of these spiky pancakes, and that's what I'm hoping to fix.
The Stingray Diaries is a research project aimed at at filling knowledge gaps surrounding the movements and behaviour of Australia's largest stingray - the smooth stingray. Run by Macquarie University PhD researcher Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons, in collaboration with NSW Fisheries, the project uses a broad range of scientific techniques, including acoustic telemetry, population genetics and stable isotope analysis to build our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of these large and charismatic rays.
It is estimated that 35% of all ray and shark species are threatened with extinction, and that large, coastal rays are at the highest risk. The main threats are due to human disturbances, such as habitat destruction and pollution. It is our hope that the knowledge gained from The Stingray Diaries research will help inform effective monitoring and conservation efforts for all ray and shark species.
The Stingray Diaries is a research project aimed at at filling knowledge gaps surrounding the movements and behaviour of Australia's largest stingray - the smooth stingray. Run by Macquarie University PhD researcher Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons, in collaboration with NSW Fisheries, the project uses a broad range of scientific techniques, including acoustic telemetry, population genetics and stable isotope analysis to build our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of these large and charismatic rays.
It is estimated that 35% of all ray and shark species are threatened with extinction, and that large, coastal rays are at the highest risk. The main threats are due to human disturbances, such as habitat destruction and pollution. It is our hope that the knowledge gained from The Stingray Diaries research will help inform effective monitoring and conservation efforts for all ray and shark species.
