The remarkable guitarfish has roamed the oceansfor many millions of years. But it is now among the most threatened marine species in West Africa due to overfishing, the trade in fins and habitat pressure.

To combat the decline, marine conservationists in Ghana are promoting sustainable fishing practices. Community-based projects are also creating alternative income sources for coastal families.

These efforts support both marine biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. With Ghana establishing its first marine protected area in 2026, conservationists hope that the measure will also help the populations of these ancient creatures to recover.