Long-term transportation, by road and air, of Devil-ray (Mobula mobular), meagre (Argyrosomus regius), and Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)

Between September 2006 and April 2007 the authors transported one 0.9 m wingspan Mobula mobular from Olhao (South of Portugal) to Valencia (East of Spain), 12 similar to 1.0m long Argyrosomus regius to Tarragona (Northeast of Spain) and four similar to 0.4 m long Mola mola to Atlanta (GA, USA). These journeys had a total water to water duration of 17, 22 and 33 hr, respectively. The first two transports were conducted by road whereas the third involved a combination of road and air travel. Water quality parameters-specifically dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and ammonia-were monitored continuously throughout the duration of the trips and were maintained at optimum levels through the use of battery-powered filtration and chemical supplements. All animals arrived alive and well at their destinations. This paper reports on the specific transport regime adopted in each case and provides some insight for potential improvements in future similar transports.