European Elasmobranch Association Conference 2025

PARTNER: MER iSea-UNIPD-WWF

LOCATION: Blijdorp Zoo Rotterdam, Netherlands

Between the 29th and 31st of October 2025, several partners of the LIFE PROMETHEUS project (MER iSea-UNIPD-WWF) attended the European Elasmobranch Association Conference held in Rotterdam.

In particular, Christina Michail (Marine Enviromental Research Lab -MER) presented citizen-science data on guitarfish in Cyprus and highlighted the value of citizen observations and recreational fishing competitions as unconventional yet highly informative data sources. Her presentation also addressed the notably high bycatch rates of neonate blackchin guitarfish recorded by recreational fishers in specific seasons and locations. Christina outlined the planned next steps, including collaboration with fishers to test magnetic deterrents for reducing guitarfish bycatch, as well as upcoming activities that will be implemented under the LIFE PROMETHEUS framework.