Edited by CIM-UVigo researcher Jesús Souza, it is the work of ichthyologist Rafael Bañón. It is the first publication to include photographs of the different species
Produced by ichthyologist Rafael Bañón and edited by Jesús Souza, researcher at the Marine Research Centre (CIM) of the Universidade de Vigo, the Redeiras building hosted on Thursday the presentation of the Guide to the Marine Bony Fishes of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, which compiles information on a total of 317 species. Alongside descriptions and information on their habitats, biology and distribution, the publication includes colour photographs of each species, making it the first publication of its kind to use real images as the main resource to facilitate species identification.
Alongside Bañón and Souza, the presentation of the volume was attended by Carlos Botana, president of the Port Authority of Vigo; Daniel Rey, former director of the CIM; Francisco Javier Touza, president of the Vigo Fishing Vessel Owners’ Cooperative (Arvi); Juan Manuel Vieites, president of the Galician Confederation of Employers (CEG); and José Luis Vázquez, president of the Institute of Culture, Science and Technology.
The result of ten years of work
The publication compiles information on 317 bony fish species, ranging from coastal and intertidal species to organisms living at depths of more than one thousand metres. Each entry is accompanied by a series of photographs that allow readers to observe “their shape, colouration and morphological features”, which, according to its authors, constitute the guide’s “main distinguishing feature”.
“These animals are difficult to see at fish markets,” explained Souza Troncoso, who highlighted that the “added value” of this volume lies in the fact that it brings together information and images of “deep-sea species that very few human beings have had the opportunity to observe”. For this reason, the UVigo professor stressed that it is “a very important work for both theoretical and practical teaching”, since the accurate identification of fish is essential for documenting biodiversity, detecting changes in species distribution and improving knowledge of marine ecosystems.
“More than ten years have been devoted to this project,” added Bañón, referring to a publication conceived as a reference work for research and technical staff, students, teaching laboratories and professionals involved in fisheries oceanographic surveys. Complemented by an introduction presenting anatomical, taxonomic and biological concepts that help readers interpret each species profile, the publication also seeks to meet the needs of oceanographic vessels, fishing guilds, fish markets and other stakeholders in the sector.
“It is a very important work that, thanks to its photographs and positioning, opens up opportunities for the economic sector to use it effectively,” added Vieites, while Touza underlined that “the sector needs to be sustainable, and to achieve that we need access to the best science”, given the “lack of knowledge” about certain marine species. Along the same lines, Botana stressed that this is “a much-needed piece of work, not only for preserving the biodiversity of our waters, but also for issues related to food safety”.
Scientific and editorial work supported by the CIM
This publication is the result of the knowledge accumulated by Bañón, a specialist in taxonomy and the study of rare species, throughout an extensive career devoted to the study and identification of marine fish. Its publication was promoted by Souza Troncoso and the production of this guide, “which will become a reference work for decades to come”, as highlighted by Daniel Rey, received the support of the CIM and the Social Council of the Universidade de Vigo.
The CIM holds the Cigus recognition awarded by the Xunta de Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research. Its activities are co-funded by the European Union through the Feder 21–27 programme.
Source: DUVI
