The Near Threatened Status Of Eagle Rays
The Spotted Eagle Rays are listed as 'near threatened' by the IUCN, which is the World Conservation Union. One of the major negative factors that plays a role in the conservation of this particular species is because of the low reproduction rate that results from slow sexual maturation as well as the fact that only one pup can be produced each year. In the event that the population of this species is ever devastated or over-fished, the recovery process is going to be extremely slow.
The Bonnet Rays are considered to be an endangered species because of the huge pressure that originates from the fisheries that are located throughout its range. When there is a high demand for something and it is continually taken to meet that demand, it is not going to be long before the count begins to decrease more and more as each day passes until in the end, there isn't any left at all.
In order to manage the ray fisheries, there is going to have to be a plan put into affect such as the one listed below:
- There should be commercial quotas set annually, which can be divided into half-year quotas.
- Once the semi-annual quota is met, there should be provisions for closing a fishery for that certain group of species.
- Recreational anglers should have catch limits.
When there is a plan put into effect, everyone will know what they have to do in effort to protect the species of rays. They can't just expect to keep taking the rays out of their natural environment and still expect them to be there in the future. As stated earlier, if you keep eliminating something, it is eventually going to disappear. Without any rules and regulations in order, the fisheries are able to do what they want, when they want and that is unnecessary. Unless we preserve the delicate balance of Nature, many creatures will be lost forever to man's greed.
However, there is hope yet. 'Near threatened' does not mean it is in the red right now – just that it is approaching the danger zone. When it will really be a problem is if it were to acquire an endangered status. We have to make sure that does not happen with these incredible creatures which means we must act now with proper restrictions in place.