ECOLEGACY MEDITERRANEAN
Hidden Treasures of the Bodrum Peninsula: Sharks and Rays
The coastal waters around the Bodrum Peninsula host one of the richest yet least recognized communities of marine life in the Mediterranean. Among these are sharks and rays—scientifically known as cartilaginous fish. As apex predators and key regulators of marine ecosystems, these species are among the most important indicators of a healthy sea.
Recent observations and scientific records indicate that the waters around Bodrum serve as an important habitat, particularly for rare and vulnerable species of sharks and rays. Shallow sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, and rocky habitats are critical ecosystems that these species use for feeding, resting, and, in some cases, reproduction.
Butterfly Ray
Gymnura altavela
The butterfly ray, one of the rarest ray species in the Mediterranean, is distinguished by its wide, wing-like fins and graceful swimming. Preferring sandy and shallow coastal areas, this species typically feeds on small fish and crustaceans while remaining partially buried on the seafloor.
With its population having declined dramatically across the Mediterranean, the butterfly ray is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its year-round presence around Bodrum—particularly along the northern coast of the peninsula—indicates that the area provides an important habitat for this species.
Guitarfish, Eagle Ray, and Cow-nose Ray
Species: Myliobatis aquila & Aetomylaeus bovinus
Known for its large size and powerful swimming, the guitarfish is an impressive ray species that inhabits open coastal areas and waters near seagrass meadows. It feeds primarily on crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates, and like many similar species, its population in the Mediterranean is rapidly declining.
Its presence along the coasts of Bodrum indicates that healthy benthic habitats are still preserved in the region.
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Angelshark – Mediterranean Angel Shark
Squatina squatina
The angel shark, locally known as “keler,” is a benthic shark species that was once common along Mediterranean coasts but has now become one of the most endangered shark species in the region.
This species lies buried in sandy or muddy seabeds, ambushing small fish and invertebrates. The fact that rare individuals are still being recorded around Bodrum suggests that the area may serve as one of the last potential refuges for this species in the Mediterranean.
Sandbar Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus
The species known as the “sand shark” is a medium-sized shark that primarily inhabits sandy coastal areas and shallow bays. It typically feeds on bottom-dwelling fish and small invertebrates. As its population in the Mediterranean is rapidly declining, coastal zones are critically important as nursery grounds for this species.
This shark is known to reproduce in Boncuk Cove within the Gulf of Gökova, making both the Gulf of Gökova and the Bodrum Peninsula key feeding and habitat areas. Reports from traditional fishers of juvenile individuals being caught around the Bodrum Peninsula suggest that there may also be nursery grounds in this region. The extensive sandy seabeds and seagrass meadows around Bodrum can provide safe habitats for juvenile sharks.
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Guitarfish (Rhinobatidae)
Species: Rhinobatos rhinobatos & Glaucostegus cemiculus
Commonly known as guitarfish, this species is a fascinating elasmobranch that exhibits morphological characteristics between sharks and rays. It inhabits sandy seabeds and feeds on crustaceans and small benthic fish.
Classified among the species that have declined drastically in the Mediterranean, guitarfish are particularly dependent on nearshore habitats. For this reason, coastal development and intensive fishing pose significant threats to their survival.
Why is Bodrum Important?
The seas surrounding the Bodrum Peninsula are among the rare areas where multiple habitat types coexist, including:
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sandy shores,
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rocky reefs,
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lagoon environments,
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and seagrass meadows.
In particular, Posidonia seagrass meadows are of critical indirect importance for many shark and ray species. These habitats form the foundation of the food web, provide shelter for juvenile fish, and support the overall health of coastal ecosystems.
For this reason, the presence of these species is not only significant on an individual level but also serves as a strong indicator of a well-functioning and healthy marine ecosystem.
What Does Ecolegacy Mediterranean Do?
Ecolegacy Mediterranean aims to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems through its work in the Bodrum Peninsula, surrounding areas, and across Türkiye’s coastal zones and key habitats. In particular, its initiatives focused on the protection of seagrass meadows, scientific monitoring, and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas are of critical importance for the future of sensitive habitats in the region.
These efforts aim not only to protect seagrass ecosystems but also to safeguard the feeding, breeding, and living habitats of vulnerable species such as the butterfly ray, guitarfish, angel shark, and sandbar shark.
Without healthy habitats, the future of these species is not possible. The coasts of Bodrum remain one of the rare areas in the Mediterranean where these species can still survive.
In addition to raising awareness, Ecolegacy Mediterranean actively works to protect seagrass meadows and coastal ecosystems, striving to ensure that these unique shark and ray species can continue to exist in the Mediterranean.