2026/07/01 by Tina Corradi, Kristy Potgieter, Alen Soldo +1
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Ichthyology and Marine Biology #Marine Biology and Ecology Research #Marine Ecology and Invasive Species
paper · doi:10.1002/aqc.70406
openalex publication_date 2026/07/01 · openalex created_date 2026/07/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
ABSTRACT Elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea face intense human‐induced pressures, with nearly half of their populations at risk of extinction. Overexploitation, limited data availability, lack of international cooperation and uneven public awareness hinder effective management. Citizen science is increasingly promoted as a cost‐effective way to address biodiversity data gaps, yet its reliability for informing species assessments and conservation planning remains poorly tested. This study critically evaluates the potential and limitations of iNaturalist, a widely used crowd‐sourced platform for assessing elasmobranch species composition and distribution across the Mediterranean Sea. Observations were analysed using descriptive spatial statistics; each ‘research grade’ record was assessed for its taxonomic accuracy and reliability using a confidence‐scoring system. A total of 70% of records failed to meet high‐confidence standards, and about 30% could not be verified at the species level. Licensing constraints further reduced usability, excluding 23.5% of records. Spatial coverage was uneven, concentrated in the Northwest and Southeast Mediterranean, largely driven by user activity. Batoids were mainly reported along the Spanish coast and the Gulf of Lion, while selachians were more frequent near Greece and the Aegean Sea. Notably, 43.7% of observations occurred outside natural habitats, often out of water or in markets. Citizen‐science data can complement traditional monitoring of Mediterranean elasmobranchs, but uncritical use risks introducing taxonomic errors and biased distribution patterns into conservation planning. By implementing standardised confidence‐scoring systems, offering guidance on diagnostic traits and strengthening regional participation, these platforms can provide more reliable insights for biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.