Almería marine secret: 126 eagle rays found offshore

Long-time residents and frequent visitors to Almería’s coast are used to sharing the waters with local marine life. Fish swim alongside beach-goers, dolphins show off for sailors, even the one-off visit from a whale isn’t out of the ordinary. But many may be surprised to know eagle rays also call the Almería coast home.

According to a September 2026 study published in the Regional Studies in Marine Science journal, scientists have identified 126 individual eagle rays just a mile off the Almeria coast.

126 Eagle Rays identified off Almería Coast

Between July and September 2018, divers conducted 68 dives along seven key points of the coast. During these excursions, they identified what is essentially the eagle-rays summer residence, La Loza del Poyo.

This 700-metres long underwater volcanic ridge is made up of rocky, sandy sea beds and thick Posidina Oceanica seagrass meadows and forms part of the Almería Levante Marine Reserve.

Located approximately one mile from the coast, the underwater ridge provides a varied marine environment where eagle rays can gather during the summer months.

Eagle Rays use Almería waters during summer

Divers noted the largest congregation of eagles during the peak summer months. 79 eagle rays were counted in July 2018, 47 in August. Meanwhile in September, none were counted.

Extensive data on each dive was documented, from the water temperature and depth to the characters and general behaviour of the eagle-rays. Through visual identification, 64 adult rays were documented, and 23 juveniles. The age of another 39 couldn’t be determined.

Researchers also identified both male and female adult rays, with 14 females and seven males recorded among those whose sex could be established.

Possible breeding sire for eagle rays

Most excitingly, researchers believe one of the eagle-rays to be pregnant. This in addition to the presence of both male and female adults leads experts to consider if the site is important to the breeding season.

However, the researchers are careful not to describe the location as a confirmed breeding, birthing or nursery area. Further research would be needed to establish exactly why the eagle rays gather there and whether reproduction is taking place.

Why Eagle Rays in Almería are important

This data, collected through a citizen science protocol, is a promising sign for eagle rays. Currently classified as an endangered species, the common eagle ray’s biggest threat to survival is accidental capture in fishing equipment, including trawls, gillnets and longlines.

For this reason, identifying locations where large numbers of eagle rays gather can be particularly valuable. Knowing where a species spends important periods of its life can help scientists understand its behaviour and habitat requirements, as well as inform future conservation assessments.

While La Loza del Poyo isn’t protected under the Shark and Ray Area’s, this research could go a long way in fortifying local conservation efforts. And for Almería, the findings add another fascinating insight into the species living in its waters.