A previously undocumented aggregation site of the vulnerable common eagle ray Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) off south-eastern Spain

A previously undocumented aggregation site of the vulnerable common eagle ray ( Myliobatis aquila ) is documented off south-eastern Spain, in the Southwestern Mediterranean. Across 68 protocol-guided recreational SCUBA dives conducted between July and September 2018, a total of 126 individuals were recorded, with the highest abundance recorded in July, and a maximum of 12 individuals observed in a single dive. A significant negative association between abundance and sea temperature was detected within the sampling period; however, this pattern should be interpreted as descriptive rather than as evidence of a direct temperature-driven response. Both sexes and one apparently pregnant female were recorded, suggesting seasonal use of the area by adult individuals, although the ecological drivers underlying this aggregation remain unclear. As this area is not currently included in Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), its recognition may provide valuable baseline information for future conservation assessments, with citizen science representing a valuable approach to support this goal, although potential limitations related to data accuracy and participant bias should be considered.