In a sombre episode on the island of Lanzarote, emergency services were mobilised to retrieve a dead ray, locally known as a Chucho, from the waters of Puerto del Carmen, a popular destination for tourists.
The large marine creature, identified as a black ray and weighing around 80 kilograms, was found stranded in the harbour area of La Tiñosa.
The recovery operation was overseen by Lanzarote’s Emergency Services, with assistance from the island’s volunteer fire brigade (Boluntis). Once the ray had been safely recovered, the Wildlife Accident Service was notified in accordance with protocol.
As the black ray is not a protected species under current conservation regulations, the animal’s remains were transported to the Zonzamas landfill site for disposal.
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of similar discoveries across the Canary Islands, where rays and other marine animals have been found washed up along the shores of Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Each occurrence triggers a rapid response from local authorities, who assess the scene and attempt to determine the cause.
While some strandings are thought to result from natural factors, such as shifting sea temperatures or ocean currents, others highlight growing concern over the impact of human activity.
Pollution, overfishing, ferries, and disruption of their natural habitat remain key areas of focus as marine experts and environmental groups call for increased awareness and conservation efforts.
The event has once again brought the health of the region’s marine ecosystems into public conversation, underlining the importance of ongoing monitoring and protection of the ocean life surrounding the Canary Islands.
