Keywords
nursery site
breeding area
Samandağ coasts
northeastern Mediterranean
How to Cite
Abstract
This study reports the first identified potential nursery area for the critically endangered Gymnura altavela off the coast of Samandağ in the northeastern Mediterranean. Two divers conducted seasonal surveys across a total area of 750 m² at three depth intervals (5–10 m, 11–20 m, 21–30 m) using the standard underwater visual census method. Additionally, bycatch data from nearby commercial trawling operations were collected. The highest individual density recorded was 0.051 n/m² in autumn, the lowest 0.02 n/m² in summer. The findings suggest that the area functions as a nursery habitat for the G. altavela population.
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