Filfla Report 3

Report for Year 3 Research The observational study of Elasmobranch species in the sea around the island of Filfla, a Special Area of Conservation by Sharklab-Malta.

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

The observational study of Elasmobranch in the sea around the island of Filfla would not have been possible without the required permits being issued by the Environment Protection Directorate of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and Transport Malta. Sharklab-Malta would like to thank those persons involved as without the permits and additional support this long term research project would not have been possible. Permit reference NP 9414

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Report for Year 3 Research The observational study of Elasmobranch species in the sea around the island of Filfla, a Special Area of Conservation by Sharklab-Malta.

Report Index • Introduction • Methodology and research • Research restrictions • Dates of observational studies during the third year • Zone descriptions • Zone observation frequency • Identified species during observational surveys • Species information and sighting details for the third year of observational research • Species information and sighting details - Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca • Species information and sighting details – Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila • Species information and sighting details - Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata • Biodiversity within the sea around the island of Filfla • Problems • Planning for the future

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca

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Introduction

Sharklab-Malta is a registered NGO in Malta and its members are all volunteers, there are no paid members of the organisation. This research has been made possible only through self funding. All participants have paid for their own dive gear rental where needed as well as the hire of diving gases and additionally the cost of boat usage. It is hoped that Sharklab-Malta may be able to secure some future funding for this research, which will allow the possibility of more frequent and a greater range of research during the next number of years, but until then we will continue to self fund this research.

Sharklab-Malta members and its supporters are dedicated to learning more about the state of Elasmobranch (sharks, skates and rays) within the waters of the Maltese islands and in the case of this project, within the waters which surround the protected island of Filfla. Through sharing the findings it is hoped that we can ensure that a better management strategy can be adopted as necessary to ensure the long term survival of Elasmobranch species within Maltese waters. It is through this dedication and determination that this long term observational study has been started.

The third year of research is aimed at consolidating the results from year one and two as research continues to confirm that Elasmobranch do indeed inhabit or travel through this area. Through the research we aim to gather further details of the species present, habitats preferred and locations within the protected areas and log the time of year and frequency of these sightings.

Sharklab-Malta received the permit/approval from the Environment Protection Directorate of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to continue this observational study on 12th June 2014. The aim of the 1st year of research was to study through observation and image capture any species of Elasmobranch (sharks, skates and rays) residing or travelling through the protected area surrounding the island of Filfla as well as generating a basic mapping system to allow for repetitive research throughout all 12 months of the year and to act as a foundation for future research. Year 2 set out to continue this to attain a better picture of the presence of Elasmobranch as well as continue to map habitats. Year 3 was a continuation of research methods previously set out.

Findings of this observational study can be used to assist in the future management and protection of vulnerable species of Elasmobranch identified within the sea around the island of Filfla as well as act as an indicator to the success of this marine protected area. Through the study many other marine species were observed and the records of these can also be utilised for implementing a more complete plan to safeguard the biodiversity around the Maltese islands and within its waters.

Over the duration of the 3rd years permit 14th June 2014 until it’s expiry on 13th June 2015, through a combination of diving and snorkelling, members of Sharklab-Malta and supporting divers and snorkelers carried out only 12 observational visits to the waters surrounding the island of Filfla.

During the third year of study three separate species of Elasmobranch were confirmed as present within the study area. Combining the results of year 1, 2 and 3 a total of 8 individual species of Elasmobranch have been observed as part of this ongoing study.

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Methodology and Research

For the third year of research the research methodology remained unchanged. The organising team continued to coordinate all research activities and data collected during the observational studies.

Initial studies of the Bathymetric maps created by AIS Environmental Limited together with Envision Mapping Ltd of the UK as part of the 2006 series of detailed surveys organised by MEPA were used to highlight the potential areas of interest.

Sharklab-Malta continued to use the created 6 zones system to create a simple and effective way of recording sightings and data and to ease planning for research activities within the immediate area of the island. The 6 zones were taken from the shoreline of Filfla to a depth of 40 metres (the limit for recreational divers).

The Bathymetric maps created by AIS Environmental Limited together with Envision Mapping Ltd of the UK below were taken from the Acoustic and Video report as part of the 2006 series of surveys and were used to highlight the variable topography around Filfla. The maps indicate many different potential habitats and were used to determine potential search areas.

The swath bathymetric data have been transformed into contours of 5 m intervals, which have been coloured according to the Legend.

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The swath bathymetric data have been transformed into a digital elevation model (DEM) which is shown in plan view with an illumination point vertically above Filfla.

The DEM is shown from a virtual position due south of Filfla and with illumination due north.

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The Bathymetric maps taken from the 2006 report, highlighted the fact that the topography and types of significantly different habitats available to Elasmobranch included a wide range of close shelves, boulder zones, caves, and drop offs to the open pelagic area surrounding the island. Through the planned research Sharklab-Malta included some of these areas of interest in the initial research plans.

The zoning system designed for simple initial data collection based on the 2006 survey bathymetric map.

2 3 The zoning covered approximately 300m from the shore to the 40 metre bathymetric and was 1 divided into 6 similar sized zones. 4 Using this simple zoning method any 6 Elasmobranch sightings could be very easily 5 identified and the zone detail highlighted for further research. The zoning allowed for a general overview of the waters immediately surrounding the island.

In order to cover a wide area of each zone per survey, the format for each dive followed a basic pattern with the exception of Stork Rock. The dive boat anchored along the centre line of the zone at an average depth of 10 metres. From the boat a team would follow a looping route from the boat out into the deeper water and then return in a loop back to the boat as illustrated below.

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During observational surveys where there were multiple teams, several looping routes from the boat into deeper water and back to the boat were followed and then sightings discussed and noted to ensure duplication of results did not occur as illustrated above.

This simple method of covering a large area worked well and will be repeated for future surveys. This method also allows for repeatability which is essential to have accurate records of sightings within each of the zones.

Research restrictions

As stated previously within the report only 12 dives/snorkels were undertaken as part of the 3rd year of research, there had been plans to undertake many more but the weather played a major factor in the completion of a full 12 month study with occasions when strong North Westerly and Westerly winds made trips offshore impossible. Researching offshore is very much dependant on the weather and when the wind is greater than Beaufort 4, the safety of participants becomes a major factor.

Sadly as a self funded project on occasions we also had to cancel planned trips due to insufficient participants to cover the boat costs. This is one of the limitations of a self funded project.

Sharklab-Malta is continuing to working hard to engage with external supporters/sponsors to ensure more frequent research can be achieved. Sharklab-Malta is also looking at the use of a smaller boat which can be launched closer to the island to allow for single survey dives when the weather is favourable to increase the amount of data which can be obtained for this long term project. This should be reflected in future reports as part of this observational study of Elasmobranch in the seas around the island of Filfla.

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Dates of observational studies during the third year of research

Sharklab-Malta visited the sea around the island of Filfla on the following dates to undertake dive and or snorkel observational studies. All dives were completed using the specific zoning plan.

Each of the observational dives averaged 1 hour in duration and each team of observers was equipped with at least one camera capable of taking still images and video. Snorkelling was limited to the shallower waters around the main island and around the smaller island of Filfoletta. As with the divers each group of snorkelers took a camera to capture images of the area and marine life, specifically looking for evidence of Elasmobranch.

On each date, 2 observational studies were performed, • 6th September 2014 equating to a total of 12 observational studies. In most • 21st September 2014 cases opposite zones were studied so the probability of rd • 23 September 2014 duplicating the record of a species during the survey was th • 11 November 2014 reduced. th • 18 April 2015 th • 15 May 2015 4 out of 6 trips to the island of Filfla produced positive records of Elasmobranch.

The initial plan for research in order to collect data to cover the whole 12 month cycle was based on a minimum of 3 trips per month, which would equate to 6 observational studies per month, allowing for study in each of the 6 zones. As you can see from the above list of dates, the original plan of visits did again not transpire due to a combination of strong winds and rough seas preventing many planned trips from going ahead.

This was an important factor as although the study period was over 12 months in fact we were not able to visit every month. For future research again we need to plan how to get the minimum number of trips per month to really have a more comprehensive understanding of what Elasmobranch are doing throughout the whole year in the sea around the island of Filfla.

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Zone Descriptions

The simple zoning system was used to determine all observational study activities allowing for repeatability and more accurate recording of data. Additionally 500 metres from the back of Filfla on the edge of zone 5 is 2 3 a rocky spike known as Stork Rock. This area was also 1 observed during the studies. 4 The choice of zone for each series of observational 6 5 activities was often dependent on the sea conditions and wind direction. Being offshore the waters around the island of Filfla can be subject to strong and changeable currents, this had to be taken into account for each dive/snorkel.

Zone 1: This zone includes the shallow waters beside the main island as well as the edges of Filfoletta and has a seafloor made up of boulders, sand and blue clay. A steady sloping seafloor extends to large boulder fields and at a depth of 30 metres a large sandy area is present. A boulder ridge leads out from Filfoletta into deeper water and is an ideal place to find a wide assortment of marine life.

Zone 2: This zone includes the shallow waters beside the main island where large boulders lay from the historical usage of the island for military target practise and amongst these are old ordinance. As you head out into deeper water mainly boulders covered with sea grasses are present with gravel and sandy areas between the boulders. At around 25 m – 30 m a large sandy area is present and this area slopes away to beyond recreational diving limits quickly.

Zone 3: This zone is very similar to zone 2 with the addition of a large boulder ridge leading down from the main island into deeper waters. Sand and gravel fill areas between the boulder fields extending down to an open sandy area extending through zone 2, out into deeper water. This zone is very prone to the effects of strong currents passing over the boulder ridge.

Zone 4: This zone again begins with a boulder strewn shoreline with a wide variety of ordinance visible amongst the boulders. Sandy areas and gravel areas fill between the boulders and a reef extends from the corner of Filfla into deeper waters. At the outer edges of this zone are steep drop offs and a large sandy/gravelly area extends into depths beyond 40 metres.

Zone 5: This zone is a steeply sloping boulder area with ordinance between with large expanses of sand extending from the shallow waters around the edge of the island down to a large sandy area at approximately 25 metres. On the right hand side of this zone the reef lifts from the seafloor covered in a

9 – Sharklab-Malta VO/0298 Observational Elasmobranch Study within the Protected Waters around Filfla Report for Year 3 – 2014/2015 variety of sea grasses and then drops away into very deep water. On the outer edge of this zone extends the reef which leads to Stork Rock.

Zone 6: This zone is a mixture of boulder areas close to the island, there is an area which we have come to refer to as the sandy valley. This sandy valley extends between Filfla and Filfoletta from approximately 8 metres down to 15 metres and is surrounded by reef and boulders on either side. The edge of this zone where it meets Filfoletta drops off significantly with a sheer limestone wall from 5 metres to 25 metres and is very prone to the effect of strong currents travelling between the two islands and the open waters beyond.

Stork Rock: This underwater rock pinnacle is located approximately 500 metres away from Filfla and is beyond the edge of zone 5 heading out towards the open sea. The pinnacle is approximately 6 metres below the surface. On the island side of Stork Rock the reef drops away, a mixture of sea grasses and Posidonia covering this area gradually dropping away beyond recreational limits and continues then to rise up to the meet the sandy areas at 25 metres at the bottom of zone 5. On the outer side the reef continues to drop away beyond recreational limits rapidly. Diving here is particularly hazardous due to strong currents.

During the coming years as part of the research, we aim to map the zones in much more detail, generating simple but detailed maps showing the difference in substrate type and depths. This will enhance the studies of Elasmobranch habitat preferences and will also assist understanding this area in much more detail. The mapped areas can also serve as a baseline of information for future studies of other species of marine life and to monitor changes in the habitat through environmental factors.

Zone observation frequency

There were a number of factors we had to take into consideration when selecting which zone was to be studied, such as wind direction and currents. At times it was sometimes not possible to determine this until we arrived at the island. The original plan was to study each zone at least once per month, with the minimum number of trips to the islands therefore being three. Due to factors as described earlier in the report this was not always possible.

Below is the frequency of study per zone: Zone 1 – was observed 1 times Zone 2 – was observed 2 times Zone 3 – was observed 2 times Zone 4 – was observed 1 times Zone 5 – was observed 3 times Zone 6 – was observed 2 times Stork Rock – was observed 1 times

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Identified species during observational surveys

A number of Elasmobranch species were seen during the third year of the observational surveys and as during the first two years on multiple occasions in different zones around the island but interestingly only for a certain period of the year. Continuation of these studies will hopefully show if a true pattern exists or if in fact the presence is more spatially random.

Below is the list of Elasmobranch species identified during the first year of observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla and confirmed with pictorial evidence of their presence:

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758)

And the species observed but no pictorial evidence during the first year of observational studies:

Pelagic Stingray – Pteroplatytrygon violacea (Bonaparte, 1832) Roughtail Stingray – Dasyatis centroura (Mitchill, 1815) Lusitanian Cownose Ray – Rhinoptera marginata (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) ...... Below is the list of Elasmobranch species identified during the second year of observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla and confirmed with pictorial evidence of their presence:

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

And the species observed but no pictorial evidence during the second year of observational studies:

Roughtail Stingray – Dasyatis centroura (Mitchill, 1815) Lusitanian Cownose Ray – Rhinoptera marginata (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) Bull Ray -- Pteromylaeus bovinus (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1817) Giant Devil Ray -- Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) ...... Below is the list of Elasmobranch species identified during the third year of observational studies in the sea around the island of Filfla and confirmed with pictorial evidence of their presence:

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

As you can see from the above lists in total 8 different species of Elasmobranch have been identified as being present within the protected waters around the island of Filfla, during the first three years of research. 11 – Sharklab-Malta VO/0298 Observational Elasmobranch Study within the Protected Waters around Filfla Report for Year 3 – 2014/2015

Identified species images during the third year of observational surveys

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Marbled Torpedo Ray - Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758)

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

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Species information and sighting details for the third year of observational research Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Common Stingray is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae and is found throughout the Mediterranean Sea. It typically inhabits sandy habitats in coastal waters up to a depth of around 200 metres, often burying itself in the sediment for defence and when it is not foraging for food. It is by far the most frequently sighted species within the waters around Filfla preferring sandy substrates. It has been seen regularly throughout the 3 years research.

The Common Stingray has a diamond shaped pectoral disc slightly wider than long and a tapering whip like tail with a single/double venomous stinging barbs. The stinging barbs are located 1/3rd of the way down the tail. The colouration of the dorsal surface is generally solid brown but varies between grey – olive green. The ventral surface is usually white with a thick margin often grey/brown.

The Common Stingray preys on a variety of bottom dwelling invertebrates, mainly crustaceans but also feeds on polychaete worms, molluscs and small fish. This species is ovoviviparous and females bear 4-9 young per year in shallow water after a gestation period of around four months.

In the Mediterranean males mature at a total length of around 43 cm with a disc width of 22 cm and females mature slightly larger, at around 46 cm total length and a disc width of 24 cm.

The Common Stingray was the most frequently observed Elasmobranch within the sea around the island of Filfla and was seen predominately within the sandy areas. This ranged from depths of 5–10 metres close to the island and also on the large sandy areas at a depth of 25 metres and beyond to the recreational diving limits of 40 metres.

On many occasions this species was observed concealed in the sand as the following images show:

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Image ©Sharklab-Malta Common Stingrays – Dasyatis pastinaca hiding under the sand but observed by Sharklab researchers

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During the first three years of research over 60 observations of Dasyatis pastinaca have been recorded, allowing for some great pictures of this species concealing itself under the sandy substrate as well as swimming. Mixtures of juveniles and adults have been seen throughout research activities, with juveniles ranging in size from approximately 25-30 cm disc width and adults around 40-45 cm disc width.

Observations of Dasyatis pastinaca were recorded in zones 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 with juveniles staying in the shallow waters bordering the main island and adults mainly distributed in the deeper waters beyond a depth of 20 metres.

Images of the Common Stingray – Dasyatis pastinaca from the 3rd year of observations

Image ©Sharklab-Malta

Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

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From concealment to flight Common Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) Images ©Sharklab -Malta

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For the third year running it seems that the waters around the island of Filfla seem to provide a good habitat for this species of stingray, with the high number of sightings recorded. Further research will aim to identify if the island of Filfla is also an area where they reproduce. So far insufficient data has been gathered to prove this one way or the other and with the research limited to only a fraction of the planned observation time it is too early to draw any conclusions.

Further studies will also aim to identify if there are seasonal variations in observations of numbers of juveniles against adults and if they inhabit the island throughout the whole year or use the island for only a limited time within the 12 month cycle. In order to investigate the mix of juveniles and adults we will be looking to more accurately scale the size of individuals.

Species information and sighting details for the 3rd year of observational research

Common Eagle Ray – Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Common Eagle Ray is a species belonging to the family Myliobatidae. It is known to inhabit the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the South West Indian Ocean.

It has a rhomboidal disc shape with large triangular pectoral fins forming wings, with a single dorsal fin at the base of the tail. The tail is tapering and has a large spine located approximately 1/3rd of the way along the tail. The dorsal surface varies between a dark brown to black with a white or creamy ventral surface.

It feeds mostly on crustaceans and bi-valve molluscs which it excavates from the sea bed. Other items known within its diet include polychaete worms, sea pens and small fish. It has flattened hexagonal bars and plate designed teeth designed for crushing prey.

Reproduction is ovoviviparous with three to seven young rays developing inside the mother, receiving additional nourishment from the mother before being born. It is often seen swimming and feeding in groups of several individuals, but is also seen in mid-water swimming alone. This is how it has been observed so far within the waters around Filfla.

This species is caught occasionally by local Maltese fishers and is observed during research studies at the wholesale market, ranging from juveniles to adults.

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Species information and sighting details for the 3rd year of observational research

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Marbled Torpedo Ray is a species of electric ray in the family Torpedinidae and can be found in the coastal waters around the Mediterranean Sea. It is often sighted in the shallow waters around the coast of the Maltese Islands. The most common of all of the electric rays around Malta, this species has the ability to discharge an electrical charge, which it uses for hunting and for defence. Reaching a maximum total length of 100 cm this is a relatively small species of Ray. To date this has been the only member of the Torpedinidae family so far observed within the waters surrounding the island of Filfla.

The Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata is known to inhabit rocky and sandy habitats and can often be found amongst sea grass beds in shallow to moderately deep water ranging in depth from 10-30 metres, although it has been recorded at a depth of 100 metres in the Mediterranean Sea. The pectoral disc is nearly circular and it has a muscular tail with two similar sized dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. The Marbled Torpedo Ray gets its name from the light and dark brown marbled colouration on the dorsal surface with the ventral surface creamy white in colour.

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This species of ray is a solitary and is mostly nocturnal, spending the day concealed under sand or deep within sea grass areas. Feeding primarily on small fish it is an ambush predator, waiting for prey to get close and then “jumping” from its hiding place giving bursts of electricity to stun. Once the prey is stunned it is manoeuvred under the disc to the mouth. This species can also extend its jaw allowing it to consume a variety of sized prey including mackerel, bogue, damselfish, mullet and crustaceans.

The Marbled Torpedo Ray is an ovoviviparous species and mating is believed to take place from November to January where the female produces a litter of between 3-30 pups, every other year after a gestation period of 9-12 months. The young measure 10-14cm in length when born and have fully functioning electrical organs which they can use for defence and hunting.

For the third year running the observational study dives took place during daylight hours when this species is normally believed to be resting concealed by substrate. It was again interesting to observe that within these waters they are also active during the day.

Marbled Torpedo Ray – Torpedo marmorata - concealed under sand

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Species information and sighting details for the third year of observational research

Through this research so far we have seen several species of Elasmobranch, but we strongly believe that more are present and only through continued research of this amazing area will we hope to identify these. Some species such as those in the family Rajidae are most likely only active during periods of low light. Future research plans will include more early morning, evening and night based research dives to try to record these additional species.

Although no shark species have been observed so far, the location and habitats around this island and the water depth around suggest that this is an ideal location for a number of species to be present. The study has continued to focus on the waters within a 300-500 metre distance from the main island with the exception of some dives around Stork Rock and a limitation on depth of 40 metres.

Further research will take place in the same locations as previous years so we can build a comparative study, month on month and year on year, but we will also be taking the research into deeper waters over the coming years. These deeper dives will extend to between 60 metres and 100 metres and will be purely technical in nature. Hopefully through these deeper dives, they will reveal more insights into the species of Elasmobranch which live or travel through this area.

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Biodiversity within the sea around the island of Filfla

The waters around Filfla are by far clearer and the habitat more breathtaking and undiscovered than anywhere else around the Maltese islands, through capturing images of this amazing place we are able to share what we are observing and recording on a regular basis.

There now follows a small gallery of images of marine life and images of the diverse habitats which have been captured during the third year of observational studies around the protected waters around the island of Filfla.

A school of juvenile Barracuda - Sphyraena sphyyraena

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A large school of Salaema - Sarpa salpa foraging for food

Parrot fish - Sparisoma cretena - searching for food among the many boulder areas

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Image ©Sharklab-Malta Image ©Sharklab-Malta The diversity of habitats makes Filfla and its surrounding waters an amazing area for many species of marine life

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Problems

Again throughout the third year of research clear evidence of illegal fishing activities have been observed and documented. In total we have now recovered more than 2000 metres of lines and several small nets. On one instance during this year’s research a net with 9 slipper lobsters was recovered and fortunately in time as after some time we managed to carefully remove them one by one, still alive. We were able to release them back unharmed by the experience.

Only through better enforcement and an educative approach about the danger to marine life and divers by discarding fishing gears will remove this unfortunate problem. Sadly until this happens, many species of marine life faces the risk of entanglement and a slow, avoidable death.

Lines with hooks and nets are regularly removed from around Filfla by members of Sharklab-Malta during research activities

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The net the slipper lobsters were removed from discarded by a fisher

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Planning for the future

The third year of research concluded with only 12 successful observational visits within the waters around the island of Filfla. Although the number was sadly low, we continued to learn much about this amazing place and the species of marine life which know this place as home.

This is still just the beginning of the research and we now have a much better idea of the habitat within the zones and are becoming familiar with areas where Elasmobranch have been observed. We can only move forward from here and continue to observe and record these amazing animals. Through this research we are beginning to understand some of the dynamics and through this we hope our research work can secure a bright future for the species which call this area home and to those which seek temporary refuge here.

We will continue to monitor and observe and record the six zones as well as continuing to study the waters around Stork Rock, we will also be extending the range to incorporate technical dives. The technical divers will explore the outer areas of the marine protected area within a depth range of 60-100 metres. Maybe in these areas we will see some very special Elasmobranch and in future reports be able to share these finds.

For more information on the work and research of Sharklab here in Malta you can contact us by sending a mail to: [email protected]

This report was compiled by:

Greg Nowell Founder and Research permit holder on behalf of Sharklab-Malta

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