Bowmouth guitarfish seen in S'pore waters after 30 years
A critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish was spotted off the coast of Singapore, marking the first formal record of the species in the area in nearly 30 years. Researchers are using the sighting to study the distribution of sharks and rays and the impact of recreational fishing on local marine life.
Why it matters
The reappearance of a critically endangered species provides vital data for marine conservation efforts and biodiversity monitoring.
A critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish that surfaced off Bedok Jetty on Oct 29, 2022, was the first formal record of a sighting in Singapore in nearly 30 years.
Listen Summarise A critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish was recorded in Singapore's waters for the first time in nearly 30 years. The species is genetically unique and faces threats like overfishing and habitat loss. Of the world’s jawed animals with backbones, it ranks as the most genetically unique lineage facing an extreme risk of extinction. The record is part of a research project to understand the distribution of sharks and rays in the territorial waters of Singapore, as well as the impact of recreational fishing on these threatened animals. AI generated
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