Studies on the effect of global warming on the biomass, distribution and behavior of sting rays.

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Our goal is to verify the effect of the recent rise in ocean temperature on the biology of batoid species. The distribution pattern and species composition of batoid species were examined in both Ariake Bay and Chinese coastal waters. Many common species in both study areas were recorded, indicating the great similarities in species composition of both areas. Additionally, for longheaded eagle ray Aetobatus flagellum which has been increasing in western Japanese coastal areas for decades, the distribution, diel behavior and the relationship between behavior and ambient water temperature were investigated and analyzed. One of the possible causal factors to increase their population size in Japanese waters might be the recent rise in water temperature in winter that could make it possible to stay in the adjacent areas of Ariake Bay.