Researchers from Guatemala took part in the XI National Symposium on Sharks and Rays (SOMEPEC 2025), held from October 20 to 24, 2025, in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The event brought together researchers, academics, conservation organization representatives, graduate students, and environmental authorities from Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Australia, and the United States.
The symposium focused on sharing research about the ecology, fisheries management, genetics, biology, and conservation of sharks and rays. Participants discussed strategies for protecting these species that play a key role in marine ecosystems. The gathering emphasized the need for scientific collaboration and education to address current challenges facing oceans.
Representing Guatemala were Dr. Ana Hacohen Domene from the Center for Environmental Studies and Biodiversity (CEAB) at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), and PhD candidate Polanco Vásquez. Both are members of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG) within the Central America and Caribbean Regional Group. They co-authored two research studies focused on shark and ray ecology, management, and conservation in Guatemala’s Pacific region.
Dr. Hacohen Domene presented a study titled “First report of incidental capture and morphometric analysis of Mobula spp. in the Pacific of Guatemala.” The research provides valuable information about Mobula rays and examines how their incidental capture affects artisanal fisheries.
PhD candidate Polanco Vásquez presented “Importance of sharks and rays in a multispecies fishery in the Pacific of Guatemala,” which highlights both ecological and socioeconomic roles of elasmobranchs as well as the need for stronger sustainable fisheries management strategies.
The studies were carried out through close collaboration among CEAB-UVG, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Guatemala), CEMA–USAC, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR–IPN). This partnership aims to strengthen ties between academic institutions and conservation organizations in the region.
“These spaces are fundamental because they allow us to share knowledge and research developed in Guatemala while fostering collaboration with colleagues, students, and organizations from other countries,” said Dr. Hacohen Domene and PhD candidate Polanco during the event.
The symposium underscored the importance of regional scientific cooperation for shark and ray conservation. The participation by Guatemalan scientists contributed new knowledge about marine species in the eastern tropical Pacific. Their involvement reinforced Guatemala’s commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
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