Biodiversity, Catchability, and Conservation Status of Sharks and Rays from Fishermen's Bycatch at the Pondokdadap Coastal Fishing Port, East Java - Indonesia

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang 65144, East Java, Indonesia.
² Center for Sustainability and Environmental Balance Studies (PUSDI-K2L), Univeritas Islam Malang, Malang 65144, East Java, Indonesia.
³ Department of Marine and Fisheries of East Java, Jl A Yani No. 152-B, Surabaya, Indonesia. 60235
⁴ Department of Fisheries Resources Utilization, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia
⁵ Marine and Coastal Resources Institute, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
⁶ Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Kirkuk ; Kirkuk 36001, Iraq

¹ Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Sharks and rays belong to the Chondrichthyes class, characterized by low reproductive rates and slow growth rates, which makes them highly vulnerable to overfishing. These conservation priority fish are generally bycatch of fishermen. This study aims to inventory the shark and ray species caught by fishermen's bycatch landed at the Pondokdadap Coastal Fishing Port, especially at the fishermen's fish market. The study was conducted from April to June 20, using a survey method. Data analysis included relative abundance and landed frequency and is presented descriptively in the form of tables and graphs. A total of 30 individuals were obtained, from seven species, four families, and four orders. The shark group consisted of five species from three families. In contrast, the rays group consisted of two species from one family and order. Three fish species are categorized as Undersized fish, and four species are categorized as Catchable size. Five shark species are listed as Vulnerable, and two ray species are listed as Least Concern. Fishermen's understanding of conservation status and fishing eligibility will significantly aid shark and ray conservation efforts in avoiding the threat of overfishing. The results of this study can support further research and inform shark and rays conservation efforts in the Indian Ocean (South of the Java Sea), particularly in Malang Regency, East Java.