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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN), 53% of Mediterranean elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are at risk of extinction, while for 18% there is insufficient information to assess their conservation status. The University of Valencia states that overfishing and habitat degradation are the main causes of the decline in elasmobranch populations. In many areas, the deficiency in catch and landing data represents an impediment to knowing the real status of these populations. The project aims to assess the abundance and distribution of elasmobranchs in the Spanish Mediterranean using fisheries data obtained from fisheries observation programs and landings, as well as to identify which species are most vulnerable to fishing impacts. This information is essential to improve knowledge about elasmobranchs and the establishment of effective measures for their management and conservation in Spanish Mediterranean waters.

The main objective of the project has been to assess the conservation status and anthropogenic impact of elasmobranch populations in the Spanish Mediterranean.

The specific objectives are:

• To review and contrast the current conservation status of elasmobranchs in the Spanish Mediterranean.
• To determine the distribution and abundance of the different species of elasmobranchs in the Spanish Mediterranean.
• To assess the vulnerability of Spanish Mediterranean elasmobranchs to fishing pressure and determine priority actions for their conservation.

• Dissemination and communication of the project.
• Bibliographic review of scientific articles published in the last 50 years.
• Review of the fishing reports of the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Murcia and Valencia.
• Training sessions for the agents involved.
• Obtaining own fishery data through observation campaigns.
• Assessment of the vulnerability of elasmobranchs in the Spanish Mediterranean to fishing impacts.
• Determination of priority actions for the conservation of elasmobranchs in the Spanish Mediterranean.

Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are a key element in the regulation of marine ecosystems. In the Mediterranean Sea, 53% of these species are in danger of extinction. The main objective of the ECEME project developed by the University of Valencia was to evaluate the conservation status of sharks and rays in the Spanish Mediterranean. To this end, different oceanographic campaigns have been carried out with the support of fishermen from the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia.

These campaigns have evaluated the distribution of various species of sharks and rays, some of which are threatened with extinction and highly vulnerable to fishing. The ECEME project has worked closely with fishermen and collaborative actions have been carried out to address the bycatch problem. Various training and educational activities have been carried out for fishermen, managers and the general public, with the aim of raising awareness of the problems to which these species are exposed. The ECEME project has served as a starting point to learn about the situation of elasmobranchs in the different ports of the Spanish Mediterranean and to propose management measures that are expected to be adapted in the near future.