Protecting the rhino rays of Karimunjawa Archipelago

Rhinorays, a group of shark-like rays, are called Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. This species group, along with some other sharks and rays, is genetically distinct compared to others and has undergone millions of years of evolution. Sadly, rhinorays are now considered one of the most threatened sharks and rays. 

In 2022, Elasmobranch Project Indonesia (EPI) began working to conserve the rhinorays in Karimunjawa National Park (KJNP), one of seven marine national parks in Indonesia. KJNP is a multi-use marine protected area (MPA) located off the coast of Northern Central Java in the Java Sea, where multiple species of rhinorays are known to reside in the area. When the project was started, information about the species was still very limited. 

Through the study, EPI learned that KJNP could be one of the few areas where rhinorays can give birth and nurse their pups, which is important for conservation efforts. In addition, local fishers show enthusiasm to engage with the program. They are willing to release small-sized rhinorays and share reports of sightings and catches of rhinorays. However, EPI believes that more research must be conducted before initiating high-level species management to achieve better conservation sustainability. 

Read more on which rhinoray species are found in KJNP and how local authority involved in these conservation efforts in the full article, published in IUCN Shark News Issue #10, September 2024. The original version was written by Faqih Akbar Alghozali and Maula Nadia.