The Rich Diversity and Conservation Urgency for Rays Along the Dangme Coastline

The marine ecosystem of Ghana is home to diverse array of ray species. Although not widely recognised, rays contribute significantly to both commercial and subsistence fisheries in the country. Their trade and consumption is vital to the economy and well-being of some coastal communities.

However, ray diversity in Ghana remains a largely under appreciated aspect of the country’s marine ecosystem, primarily because these species do not form a major part of the national marine food resources, apart from within certain coastal communities. Despite this, understanding their diverse forms, sizes, and striking colourations is crucial for their conservation. Through funding from the Save Our Seas Foundation, significant baseline data has been gathered on this remarkable group of marine life.

The Common Guitarfish and Spineback Guitarfish. Photo © Bernard Eshun

One key area of focus is the Dangme Coastline, a significant ray landing site that, despite its ecological importance, remains commercially under-recognised. This coastline is home to some of the world’s most stunning and endangered ray species. To date, at least nine species have been documented here, underscoring the area’s ecological suitability for rays and hinting at the potential for discovering even more species. The documented species include the Blackchin Guitarfish, Common Guitarfish, Spinebacked Guitarfish, Whitespotted Guitarfish, Giant Devil Ray, Maculate Panray, Pearl Whipray, Pelagic Stingray, and the African Brown Skate.

Diverse ray species captured along the Dangme Coastline. Photo © Albert Kwabena Aduah

Of particular concern is the fact that all documented guitarfish species are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, a dire indication of their steep population declines and the urgent need for conservation interventions to prevent their extinction. Additionally, the Maculate Panray, Pearl Whipray, and African Brown Skate are listed as near threatened, signalling the onset of population declines that could worsen without timely action. The Pelagic Stingray, fortunately, is categorised as least concern, with no immediate signs of decline. However, the conservation status of the Giant Devil Ray remains unassessed by the IUCN.

Given that the Dangme Coastline is home to these species and has the potential to inhabit other unidentified rays, urgent conservation initiatives coupled with sustainable management practices, and collaboration with coastal communities are needed to protect this unique marine ecosystem and these vulnerable chondrichthyes.