Can innovative deterrents help protected rays and mussel farmers coexist?
A remarkable aggregation of bullrays (Aetomylaeus bovinus) has recently appeared off Trieste, attracting widespread attention. While the presence of this Critically Endangered species is encouraging from a conservation perspective, it has also created an unexpected challenge: the rays have begun feeding extensively on mussels grown on aquaculture longlines, causing significant losses for local producers.
Rather than framing this as a conflict between conservation and livelihoods, the partners of LIFE European Sharks are working to find solutions that benefit both.
Following reports from local mussel farmers, Shoreline and the Area Marina Protetta Miramare rapidly began monitoring the situation and engaging farmers, researchers and authorities to assess the extent of the problem and identify practical mitigation measures.
To support this effort, LIFE European Sharks invited another EU LIFE project, Life Prometheus, to test one of its innovative bycatch mitigation tools in a new context.
This week, researchers from the University of Padua and Marche Polytechnic University deployed small magnetic deterrents on the mussel longlines of Ape di Mare, the aquaculture company of Laura Delpin, who is collaborating in the trial. The devices are designed to exploit the highly sensitive electroreception of sharks and rays, with the aim of discouraging bull rays from approaching the mussel ropes without causing them any harm.
Whether the approach proves effective will become clear over the coming days, as the first results are assessed.
This pilot demonstrates the value of collaboration across EU-funded projects, bringing together conservation practitioners, researchers, protected area managers and aquaculture operators to address emerging challenges through science-based, non-lethal solutions.
Further monitoring and complementary activities coordinated by the LIFE European Sharks partners and the Miramare Marine Protected Area are already underway, and we look forward to sharing updates soon.
Both projects are co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme
