Abstract

The Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular Bonnaterre, 1788) is an endangered pelagic mobulid ray and one of the most vulnerable elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea because of its slow growth, delayed maturity, and extremely low reproductive output. Despite its regional conservation importance, information on its occurrence and fishery interactions in the southeastern Mediterranean remains limited. The present study investigated the seasonal occurrence, fishery capture, utilization, conservation awareness, and management status of the species along the approximately 42km Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Data were obtained through field observations at landing sites, market surveys, interviews with fishermen and the General Directorate of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, photographic documentation, and review of available literature. Results showed that the Giant Devil Ray occurs seasonally in Gaza Strip coastal waters, mainly between February and April, when large aggregations approach nearshore areas and become accessible to artisanal fisheries. Fishing activity was concentrated 6-12 nautical miles offshore and involved both targeted and incidental capture using purse seines, gillnets, trawls, and occasionally longlines. Landed specimens were dominated by mature size classes, commonly measuring 200-350cm disc width, while larger individuals exceeded 500cm and 700-800kg; juveniles were rarely observed. Catch levels varied considerably among years, with the most exceptional event recorded in 2013 when more than 500 individuals were reportedly landed within a few days. All captured rays were fully utilized for local consumption, with meat sold fresh in markets at affordable prices and sometimes distributed through informal transport systems including equine-drawn carts. Although fisheries authorities and some fishermen showed awareness of the threatened status of the species, effective management, monitoring, seasonal protection, and enforcement measures remain limited. No preserved reference specimens were found in Palestinian academic collections, indicating broader institutional constraints in research capacity and biodiversity documentation. In contrast, local awareness initiatives were undertaken, including a specialized workshop organized in 2013 by the Islamic University of Gaza in cooperation with fisheries authorities following the exceptional capture event. The study identifies the Gaza Strip coast as a potentially important seasonal habitat for the Giant Devil Ray and demonstrates how predictable aggregations, artisanal fishing pressure, weak governance capacity, and socioeconomic hardship combine to create a high-risk conservation scenario. Immediate seasonal protection, regular monitoring, community-based awareness programs, and regionally coordinated management are urgently needed to safeguard this iconic Mediterranean species.

Keywords:Giant Devil Ray; Mobula mobular; Mediterranean Sea; Artisanal fisheries; Seasonal aggregations; Bycatch; Fishery interactions; Elasmobranch conservation; Endangered species; Gaza Strip; Palestine