Strongly structured populations and reproductive habitat fragmentation increase the vulnerability of the Mediterranean starry rayRaja asterias(Elasmobranchii, Rajidae)

• DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3739
• Publication Date: 2021-11-19T09:09:25Z
• Authors: Giusy Catalano; Valentina Crobe; Alice Ferrari; Romano Baino; Daniela Massi; Antonino Titone; Cecilia Mancusi; Fabrizio Serena; Rita Cannas; Laura Carugati; Farid Hemida; Chiara Manfredi; Riccardo Melis; Giuseppe Scarcella; Letizia Sion; Marco Stagioni; Fausto Tinti; Alessia Cariani
• Keywords: Asterias; Elasmobranchii; Chondrichthyes

Abstract The Mediterranean starry ray ( Raja asterias ) populations within the Sea are susceptible to high rates of bycatch in multispecies trawl fisheries. Understanding its population structure and identifying critical habitats crucial for assessing species vulnerability setting groundwork specific management measures prevent decline. To assess R. Mediterranean, genetic variation nine samples at one mitochondrial marker eight nuclear microsatellite loci was analysed. Moreover, 172 egg cases collected Strait Sicily were identified level using integrated molecular morphological approaches. Genetic analyses revealed that comprises three distinct units inhabiting western, central‐western, central‐eastern areas Mediterranean. An admixture zone occurs Ionian Sea, where individuals central‐western intermingle. joint morphometric–genetic rajid confirmed presence more than area, with a predominance laid by . DNA barcoding embryos shared several haplotypes adult from revealing females both numerous eggs this area. According these findings, detailed taxonomic determination cases, when combined seasonal migration studies, could improve capability identify important spawning or nursery ray, particularly those zones relevant maintaining diversity. Finally, new insights should be considered update Action Plan Conservation Cartilaginous Fishes effective reduce impact skate trawling safeguard areas.