true

ISRA FACTSHEETS

SOUTH AMERICAN ATLANTIC REGION

ISRA FACTSHEETS

SOUTH AMERICAN ATLANTIC REGION

Praia Vermelha ISRA

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Praia Vermelha ISRA

Praia Vermelha

Summary

Praia Vermelha is located in southeast Brazil. The area sits in a transitional zone between the Atlantic Ocean and Guanabara Bay and supports high primary productivity. It is characterised by a sandy substrate interspersed with rocky outcropping. Within this area there are: threatened species and range-restricted species (Groovebelly Stingray Dasyatis hypostigma).

Praia Vermelha

Praia Vermelha

DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT

Praia Vermelha is located in southeast Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro state. The area sits in a transitional zone between the Atlantic Ocean and Guanabara Bay. This positioning results in a significant inflow of organic matter, which supports high primary productivity (Chaves et al. 2018). The area is characterised by a sandy substrate interspersed with rocky outcroppings, providing structural habitat diversity. These static features, combined with dynamic environmental conditions such as tidal currents and upwelling events, can create a productive ecosystem (Silva et al. 2022). The interaction between oceanic waters and organic inputs from the bay shapes the ecological dynamics of the area (Franco & dos Santos 2018).

This Important Shark and Ray Area is benthic and is delineated from the surface (0 m) to 30 m based on the depth range of the Qualifying Species in the area.

CRITERION A

VULNERABILITY

One Qualifying Species considered threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species regularly occurs in the area. This is the Endangered Groovebelly Stingray (Pollom et al. 2020).

CRITERION B

RANGE RESTRICTED

This area holds the regular presence of Groovebelly Stingray as a resident range-restricted species. This species has been recorded regularly from artisanal fisheries operating in the area and by divers between 2012–2025 (Amorim & Monteiro-Neto 2016; Araujo et al. 2020; N Araujo & R Gomes pers. obs. 2017–2024). From June 2012 to May 2013, artisanal fisheries operating in 15 locations in the Rio de Janeiro area were monitored, including nearby islands (Amorim & Monteiro-Neto 2016). Groovebelly Stingrays were recorded only in coastal locations including three locations inside Prai Vermelha. Between 2016–2019, fishing activities were monitored at Praia Vermelha, Itaipu (~7 km from the area), and Cabo Frío (~120 km from the area; Araujo et al. 2020). Of 54 surveys conducted, the Groovebelly Stingray was recorded in 26.6% of the fish landings observed at Praia Vermelha with 1–3 individuals recorded per landing event (Araujo 2021; NLF Araujo unpubl. data 2021). Of 35 individuals recorded in the three locations, 33 were observed in this area. Individuals were observed year-round with a higher presence between July–November (Araujo et al. 2020). Additionally, recreational divers report sightings of Groovebelly Stingrays at least once every three dives, with an approximate appearance rate of 33% during night dives (D Araujo, A Macau & M Rebouças pers. comm. 2022–2024). Sightings typically involve a single individual, with a maximum of 10 individuals recorded during a single dive (D Araujo pers. comm. 2024). This species occurs primarily in the South Brazil Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) and marginally in the East Brazil Shelf LME and the Patagonian Shelf LME.

Praia Vermelha

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