Protected guitarfish released by fishermen of Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka

Thomas, Sujitha and Mahesh, V and Kizhakudan, Shoba Joe and Suresh Babu, P P and Ramudu, Kurva Raghu and Hussain, Tanveer and Durgeka, Nagaraj M (2024) Protected guitarfish released by fishermen of Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka. Marine Fisheries Information Service No.260. pp. 28-29. ISSN 0254-380X

Text MFIS_260_2024_V Mahesh.pdf Download (764kB)

Abstract

The Widenose guitarfish (Glaucostegus obtusus) is a small elasmobranch species that typically inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries. These fish are frequently caught as bycatch in various fishing practices, including gillnets, single-day trawlers, hook and line, and shore seine fisheries. The largest recorded specimen of this species, measuring 114 cm, was found off the coast of Goa. In March 2024, during routine visits to fish landing centers, researchers from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) observed two instances of incidental entanglement of the Widenose guitarfish, a species protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in conserving this vulnerable species and underscore the importance of raising awareness among local fishing communities.

Actions (login required)

View Item