Saving the two Critically Endangered rhino rays (African wedgefish, Rhynchobatus luebberti and Blackchin guitarfish, Glaucostegus cemiculus) in Ghana

The two rhino rays (African wedgefish, Rhynchobatus luebberti and Blackchin guitarfish, Glaucostegus cemiculus) in Ghana are under high fishing pressure as a result of the current spate of unregulated fishing activities. This coupled with their susceptibility in diverse fishing gears and the high demand for their products render them in precarious condition. The proposed project aims to engage local stakeholders to instigate the establishment of a locally managed coastal protected area where rhino rays are mostly caught.

We will conduct landings or markets surveys of rhino rays in coastal regions to estimate their population sizes and biology. We will build capacity of local volunteers including fishers to collect long-term data on the species. We will further link-up with stakeholders to devise conservation strategies for the species. Importantly, we will raise awareness on the plight of the species in various fishing communities.