Elasmobranch fisheries of India - An appraisal

Abstract

Elasmobranchs comprising sharks, skates, guitarfishes and rays have attracted
\nincreased attention in recent years both from research and conservation points of view. The
\nCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute has been collecting landing statistics and making
\nestimates of production for the past five decades. Besides, the Institute has also been collecting
\ndata on biological characteristics of some species from selected landing centres. However,
\nthe knowledge on these resources has not so far been consolidated, mainly owing to lack of
\nadequate information on individual species contributing to the fishery and the various aspects
\nof their biology. Globally, however, increased concerns are expressed on the sustainability of
\nthe elasmobranch fisheries while some countries have even harmed the exploitation of certain
\nspecies. It was therefore felt desirable first to consolidate the data and knowledge available
\nfrom the Indian EEZ on the status of elasmobranch fishery so that suitable action plans
\ncould be formulated for research, development and conservation. This process was initiated
\nabout two years ago and now we are ready with the results of the voluminous data processed
\nand consolidated