Characterization of the reef-associated elasmobranchs fishery in Tanzania mainland
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
In Tanzania, coral reef-associated elasmobranchii fisheries are among the most important
as they contribute significantly in small-scale subsistence (artisanal) category in some
cases representing the major income for many coastal communities. Tanzania's marine
fisheries sector, especially in coral reefs’ associated elasmobrachs is constrained by lack
of data on fish stocks, fishing effort, and level of exploitation. This study was conducted
so as to characterize the catch composition for elasmobranchs in the selected hotspot
landing sites in Tanzania mainland. Elasmobranchs landings from artisanal fisheries were
observed from February to July, 2020 in the selected landing site. A total of 391
individuals of rays and sharks were recorded at the selected landing sites in Tanzania
mainland during this study. The landed elasmobranch catches belonged to four families of
Dasyatidae, Myliobatidae, Carcharhinidae and Sphyrinidae. At least eight species of
elasmobranchs were recorded in this study. Species from Dasyatidae family dominated
the total fish catch. The landed fish species were of small and medium size (cm), all
immature. The occurrence of immature fish in the catch is an indicator of fishing
overexploitation to take place along the Tanzania mainland coastline.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Reef, Elasmobranchs, Fishery, Tanzania mainland, Marine fishery