The secret lives of rays as they grow from eggs to pups are to be opened up to Plymouth residents as part of an initiative to connect people with the natural wonders on their doorsteps.
The Little Rays of Hope project will see the lives of rays and skate living off the Plymouth coastline captured and shared digitally so people see what happens under the waves in the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
It one of the first projects in the park’s Nature Boost Programme, which aims to inspire people to care about protecting our natural environment and learn how they can make a difference.
The Marine Biological Association is playing a key role in the project, using its extensive experience and cutting-edge aquatic facilities and expertise in animal husbandry to support the hatching and rearing of the rays.
They will show the incubation and development of the Ray eggs, so people can witness the journey of these remarkable animals from egg to pup.
To kickstart the project, four female rays—four Spotted Rays—were carefully collected from the Mewstone area to lay their eggs in a safe, controlled environment.
The Spotted Rays successfully laid 80 eggs, which are now being incubated under ideal conditions. Over the next five to six months, the eggs will develop into pups, which will eventually be released back into their natural habitat in Plymouth Sound.
Local engagement is at the heart of the Nature Boost Programme, which will encourage residents to take part in activities such as the Sharks Trusts’ Great Egg Case Hunt, where they can help identify and report skate and ray egg cases found along Plymouth’s beaches. These efforts will contribute valuable data to ongoing research and help foster a sense of shared responsibility for marine conservation.
Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans OBE, said: “The Little Rays of Hope initiative is a fantastic way to showcase the unique marine life we have right on our doorstep. It’s about engaging people, building knowledge, and inspiring real action to protect Plymouth Sound’s natural treasures for generations to come.”
Elaine Hayes, CEO of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, said: “The Little Rays of Hope project is about much more than science. It’s about inspiring people to see the value of the extraordinary marine life we have here in Plymouth Sound. By combining education, engagement, and hands-on conservation efforts, we hope to create a community that’s deeply connected to and protective of our ocean.”
Professor Willie Wilson, Chief Executive of Marine Biological Association added: “Projects like this are not only important for the species we’re working with but also for inspiring people to care about their local marine environment. By sharing the story of these rays, we’re helping to build a community that values and protects Plymouth Sound.”