Towards Identifying the Number of Guitarfish Species in the Grand-Béréby MPA

I’m Gilles Florent Soro, the leader of the project entitled “Provide data for the conservation of critically endangered guitarfish species in GrandBéréby’s Marine Protected Area”, taking place in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa. During our routine surveys of the artisanal fisheries in Grand-Béréby, we noticed a worrying trend. Guitarfish, many of which are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, were frequently found in the catches of local fishermen. This alarming discovery prompted us to take action. We planned a series of awareness campaigns and scientific studies to address this issue. Our ultimate goal is to educate the fishing communities of Grand-Béréby and implement sustainable conservation measures for these species.

One of the first steps in this direction is to accurately identify the different species of guitarfish found in the Grand-Béréby Marine Protected Area (MPA). To achieve this as an early career scientist, the guidance of an expert was needed. For that, Mr. Bernard Séret, a renowned French ichthyologist, was invited to Côte d’Ivoire, thanks to a SOSF grant.

Mr. Bernard Séret has nearly 40 years of experience at the French research institute, IRD. He is the author of nearly 200 scientific papers, has described 68 new species, and co-edited the book “Rays of the World” (Last et al. 2016), among other notable works. His mission was to equip us with the skills needed to accurately identify guitarfish species by collecting morphometric data and tissue samples for genetic analysis.

Mr. Bernard Séret with the Project Leader, Gilles Florent Soro and Field Assistant. Photo © Gilles Florent Soro

The training program, extending over five days, included a range of detailed activities: collecting morphometric data on guitarfish, preserving specimens in chemical solutions, gathering and storing tissue samples, and analysing the morphometric data. Learning from Mr. Bernard Séret, a true ‘living library’ of knowledge, provided an extraordinarily enriching experience.

Morphometric data collection, visualising the guitarfish denticles (small tooth-like structures on the skin). Photo © Gilles Florent Soro

This training was invaluable. It provided us with the knowledge and skills needed to identify guitarfish species accurately. With this information, we can better understand the population of these critically endangered species and develop targeted, effective conservation strategies. Our next steps include the ongoing data collection, continuous awareness campaigns, and conducting surveys to understand the relationship between fishermen and guitarfish.

Project

As Ivory Coast’s first marine protected area (MPA), declared in 2022, Grand-Béréby needs ongoing research to inform a management plan that is not yet available. Three guitarfish species were identified in the MPA, although there is doubt about the identification of one species. With this in mind, Gilles has set out to confirm these observations and establish their identifications, as well as search for other potential guitarfish in the region. He is also investigating how local fishers and communities interact with guitarfish populations. With a baseline for the MPA’s guitarfish, Gilles will be able to kickstart education and awareness activities in communities around the MPA.

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