A study is underway in Mozambique to study the distribution ranges of two species of wedgefishes family (bottlenose wedgefish and bowmouth guitarfish) to help better manage their population. 

The species are considered critically endangered due to the fin-trade industry. The fish are either sought for their fins through catching them individually or as bycatch. The fin-trade can yield more money for the rays' fins that will bring in more revenue for the fishers than the meat from the rest of their body. 

The study employs a new tactic in Mozambique, where it uses acoustic and satellite tags to track the wedgefishes in close and long ranges. 

The results from the study will inform policy to help better protect these fishes in marine protected areas or through quotas (or both!).

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/09/new-research-hopes-to-shine-a-light-on-wedgefish-the-pangolin-of-the-ocean/

Link to Beyond Jaws Podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/beyond-jaws/

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Part 2 of my interview with Dr. David Ebert who tells us about the people that participated in the workshops in East and South Africa. Dave was astonished by the dedication of the participants, especially one gentleman who showed up injured from an incident that occurred the night before, but he didn't want to be late. 

Check out the full story during the interview for more details.

Dave's Work was supported by Save Our Seas.

How important do you think it is to protect Guitarfish and Wedgefish? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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