Stingray

Many species of stingrays are found in our waters using their large pectoral fins (moving them along a vertical axis), searching in the sand for their food, which consists of small benthic fish, invertebrates, molluscs, crustaceans, and smaller elasmobranchs. It produces 2 to 4 self-sustaining young per breeding season and although is classified as a dangerous fish, due to its venomous end of tail, it is still sold for its large fleshy fins. It is caught using bottom trawls, set nets, longlines, and spearguns. 

The Dasyatis pastinaca, the species most commonly found in our waters, is classified as Vulnerable in the Mediterranean assessment of the IUCN Red List. It can live for around 10-15 years. Its late maturity, at about 7 years, and low offspring numbers place it in a vulnerable position, compared to other species in the sea. Apart from that, due to its size and longevity it often bioaccumulates toxic substances. Taking all the above into consideration it is recommended to avoid this species.

Bottom trawling is one of the most harmful ways to fish in our seas, as it drags heavy gear across the seabed, damaging all kinds of habitats, killing benthic life and leading to high catches of non-targeted species. In the southern part of Cyprus there is a restriction for trawling during the 16th of February and the 31st of May, and in the northern part bottom trawling is altogether banned. 

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the species was caught and with which fishing method, as well as buying outside of its breeding period. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries.