ABOUT ACUSQUAT II
ACUSQUAT II is a project focused on the acoustic monitoring of Angelshark (Squatina squatina) behaviour in critical conservation areas.
The Angelshark (Squatina squatina) is a critically endangered species worldwide according to the IUCN Red List, recently included in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species, whose stable populations have been limited to the Canary Islands archipelago, as a result of overfishing. This species uses the most protected bays of the islands as critical reproduction and breeding areas, which means that their survival is endangered by tourism development. This second stage of the study of their circadian and seasonal rhythms, as well as their movements around these areas and to deep waters, will allow us to increase our knowledge of the ecology of the species and guide management measures that will contribute to making their recovery comwith the tourist use of these areas.
With a duration of 17 months, ACUSQUAT II is part of the European PLASMAR + programme.
In the links below you can find:
- Explanatory poster of the project
- Flyer of the project
- Guide on how to release angelsharks caught on hooks
Project objectives
The ACUSQUAT II project will study the spatio-temporal behaviour of the Angelshark and its interaction with human activities in the environment of critical areas for its conservation, thus contributing to its future Recovery Plan.
The project is led by the SITMA and BIOCON research groups, belonging to the Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA), both linked to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
In addition to Dr. José Juan Castro Hernández, principal researcher of the project on the part of BIOCON, Dr. Jorge Cabrera, Dr. David Jiménez, Dr. Ángelo Santana and Dr. Antonio Domínguez will also participate in the project, in addition to the collaboration of researchers from the Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Participating Institutions
Marine Technology Service (SITMA)
The Marine Technology Service (SITMA) is a research support service set up by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), which aims to serve as a platform to provide external users with a wide range of services in fields such as Oceanography (physical, chemical and biological), Marine Biogeochemistry and Marine Ecology/?Biology, as well as Marine Technology (robotics and sensorics). It is also notable for its capability with respect to real-time use of multi-source marine meteorological data for marine environmental control (support for fishing activities, monitoring of polluting spills and anomalous marine events, such as potentially harmful plankton blooms, etc.).
Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA)
The collaboration between the Biodiversity and Conservation group (BIOCON) and the other research groups that make up the University Institute for Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA), gives an interdisciplinary vision that allow to provide solutions to the different problems posed by the long-term strategy to support the sustainable growth of the marine and maritime sectors (Blue Growth), where is recognised the importance of caring the biodiversity of the seas and oceans, and their empowerment as drivers of the European economy due to their great potential for innovation and growth.
Funded by
The University Institute ECOAQUA is a research centre that belongs to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a public institution that offers a wide range of degrees in all the major areas of knowledge, with the aim of providing comprehensive training to those who come to it, in a commitment based on innovation, quality and internationalisation.