First stingray hatched and released in Greece marks conservation milestone

·

A stingray egg just 6 centimeters long developed into a 10.5-centimeter newborn, later released into the sea where it could grow up to 80 centimeters. Nearly half of stingray species in Greece face extinction, making this milestone crucial.

For the first time in Greece, a stingray hatched in an aquarium in Thessaloniki and was returned to its natural habitat, marking progress for “ex situ” (off-site) conservation. This is only the second recorded hatch of the common stingray (Raja clavata) in a controlled Mediterranean setting. The effort is part of the Thermaikos Biodiversity Project by iSea and the Sani/Ikos Group.

According to Greece’s Red List, stingrays are mainly threatened by accidental capture in fishing gear. Their egg cases, often caught in nets, usually do not survive.

To counter this, fishermen from Halkidiki and the Thracian Sea have been working with iSea for two years. They hand over egg cases collected from their nets, which are then transferred to a dedicated aquarium at Sani Resort. Visitors can observe the process as embryos develop under controlled care.

The released stingray grew from a rescued 6-centimeter egg, demonstrating the potential of this method. The initiative also drew on the expertise of Spain’s Associació Lamna, which has created similar hatching protocols across the Mediterranean.

According to iSea, the “journey” from fisherman to sea involved continuous research and refinement of hatching conditions, laying the groundwork for future conservation.

Launched in 2021 as the Thermaikos Dolphin Project, the program has since expanded to protect marine biodiversity, restore stingray populations, and raise awareness among local communities and visitors.

Source: en.protothema.gr

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Leadership change at The Hellenic Initiative Australia as Nicholas Pappas AM steps down

Nicholas Pappas AM steps down after 12 years as President of The Hellenic Initiative Australia. Read more here.

Pharos, Loverdos and Greek delegation unite to secure the future of Greek in Australia

A meeting with Pharos Alliance representatives was top of mind for Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos on Friday.

Loverdos wraps up Australian visit in Perth, celebrating Hellenic heritage and ANZAC friendship

Ioannis Loverdos has concluded his official tour of Australia and New Zealand with a visit to Perth, Western Australia.

Alleged child abductor placed in protective custody after Coburg church, pharmacy incident

A man, accused of attempting to abduct two children in Coburg, has been placed in protective custody amid concerns for his safety.

Jerusalem Patriarch welcomes US Vice President JD Vance to the Holy Sepulchre

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem received US Vice President JD Vance and his wife at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Thursday.

You May Also Like

‘Massive question mark’ over Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open participation after mental blowout

Australian sports star Nick Kyrgios lashed out at everything but the water bottle after his 6-3, 6-4 loss to Borna Coric in today's Australian Open warmup competition.

Hundreds celebrate St Spyridon feast day with paniyiri in Sydney

Hundreds turned up to St Spyridon Parish in Kingsford over the weekend to attend celebrations in honour of the patron saint's feast day.

Angela Pippos: The Greek Australian behind Zoe Daniel’s victory in Goldstein

Angela Pippos, the Greek Australian journalist who drove Zoe Daniel's campaign in Goldstein speaks to TGH about the historic 'teal' victory.