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It is proposed to evaluate the physical and physiological recovery capacity of the most captured rays in the Gulf of Cadiz: Raja clavata and Leucoraja naevus. to characterize survival comprehensively. To this end, the multidisciplinary methodology that has been established in previous projects (SUREDEPAR and DISCARLIFE) will be used, combining fisheries biology and animal physiology. Survival will be assessed in the short term, as well as their physical recovery, by analysing the vitality, reflexes and wounds of the animals after fishing and after different recovery times. At the same time, the physiological responses to stress caused by fishing will be studied, as they have been developed in the two
projects mentioned above. Finally, a direct deal with the sector is proposed to meet their needs in the face of the regulations to evaluate if they can be incorporated, as well as training with them for compliance with it.

A1: Task planning and search for relevant literature.
A2: Trips to sea with the sector.
A3: To evaluate the survival rates of rays caught in the Gulf of Cadiz through outings with the sector.
A4: Analysis of physiological parameters of rays caught in the Gulf of Cadiz.
A5: Oceanographic campaign in the Gulf of Cadiz.
A6: To evaluate the survival rates of rays caught in the Gulf of Cadiz.
A7: Analysis of physiological parameters of rays caught in commercials.
A8: Ethological analysis of the stripes and production of promotional videos.
A9: Dissemination of the Project.
A10: Preparation of the final report of the Project.

The results of the DISCARDLIFE II Project, developed between December 2020 and January 2022, show high probabilities of survival of the captured specimens of Santiago ray in the warmest months of the year, with high probabilities being considered those greater than 50%. Likewise, it has been observed again how the decrease in temperature increases the chances of survival.

Regarding physiological responses to capture, it has been described with various stress biomarkers how the recovery of surviving animals occurs within the first 12 hours. However, the most remarkable thing about this project has been the direct contact with the fishing sector. Not only in the shipments made with them, but also through various meetings and conferences, where alliances have been created to continue with this line in the future. These studies should be repeated and the results should be treated with caution, as the number of specimens captured on each outing has not been completely representative.