Preliminary study on the Elasmobranch fisheries in the Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka

Fisheries are a major economic activity and source of livelihood for most coastal communities in northern Sri Lanka. National and district level information of elasmobranch fisheries are very limited, however it is known that... [ view full abstract ]

Fisheries are a major economic activity and source of livelihood for most coastal communities in northern Sri Lanka. National and district level information of elasmobranch fisheries are very limited, however it is known that many elasmobranchs encountered in Sri Lanka have low reproductive potential. Growing global demand for shark fins, mobulid gill plates and meat of both have led to overexploited and unregulated fisheries for elasmobranchs worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. This research study is documenting the species diversity and abundance of Jaffna’s elasmobranch fisheries in order to establish a baseline, with species level data collection including identification photographs of each specimen, dimensions, sex, maturity, fishing gear used, and catch location. Market surveys are carried out at the 6 main landing sites and 2 fish markets three days per week. We have surveyed 24 days to date, revealing that from 406 individual specimens recorded, 21 elasmobranch species are present, consisting of 9 shark species (n=72) and 12 ray species (n=260). They are primarily landed as non-discarded bycatch in teleost and shellfish fisheries using gillnets, longlines and trawlers. The data shows that the majority of landed elasmobranchs were immature males or females below their reported size of sexual maturity, which would negatively affect population growth, drawing concerns on the sustainability of this fishery. This project will continue to collect additional data and conduct population stock assessments to better manage these fisheries that are critical for food security and the financial future of local communities.