Sharks and rays as incidental catch of artisanal fishing activity in Southern Brazil: reproductive attributes and seasonal changes in composition and abundance

Landings of elasmobranchs at Parana coast, Southern Brazil, were monitored during two years, 2009 and 2010. Attributes of fleet and fishing gears were described, as well as species composition, body length and reproductive status of individuals. A total of 4,941 sharks (51%) and rays (49%) was accessed. Part of them was eviscerated, but 82% were landed intact, corresponding to 3.68t of sharks and 2.35 t of rays. Fourteen species of shark were recognized, mean weight 1.46 kg (0.067-16.0 kg; SD = 3.83), mostly Rhizoprionodon lalandii and Sphyrna zygaena, Shark landings were higher in spring/summer, taking part in teleost fisheries. Twelve species of rays were recognized, mean weight 0.97 kg (0.394-10.0 kg; SD = 2.80), being Zapteryx brevirostris and Pseudobatos percellens the most numerous. Ray catches were higher in autumn, in both juvenile and adult stages, in fisheries targeting shrimps and small teleosts. Eleven out 26 elasmobranch species are classified in Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically endangered conservation status. Aiming conservation, two main actions are recommended: first, educative campaigns to promote releasing of: live individuals, neonates in general, Narcine brasiliensis in shrimp trawling, and young and adults of species with catches forbidden; second, protection of Carcharias taurus, P. percellens as incidental catch in flatfish fisheries, and youngs of Squatina sp., a species which adults are targeted in gillnet fisheries.Monitoraram-se os desembarques de elasmobrânquios no litoral do Paraná nos anos 2009 e 2010. Descrevem-se atributos de frota e petrechos empregados. As espécies foram caracterizadas quanto ao tamanho dos indivíduos e à condição reprodutiva. Acessaram-se 4.941 indivíduos, 51% tubarões e 49% raias. Foram desembarcados inteiros 82% dos indivíduos, 3,68 t de tubarões e 2,35 t de raias. Identificaram-se 14 espécies de tubarões, peso médio de 1,46 kg (0,067-16,0 kg; DP = 3,83), predominando em número Rhizoprionodon lalandii e Sphyrna zygaena. Os tubarões foram mais capturados na primavera/verão, com maior frequência de neonatos ou imaturos. Registraram-se 12 espécies de raias, peso médio de 0,971 kg (0,394-10,0 kg; DP = 2,80), predominando em número Zapteryx brevirostris e Pseudobatos percellens. As raias foram mais capturadas no outono, em pescarias dirigidas a camarões e pequenos teleósteos, com maior frequência de imaturas ou maduras. Onze das 26 espécies são classificadas como vulneráveis, em perigo ou criticamente ameaçadas. Para fins de conservação, recomendam-se ações educativas pró-descarte de: animais vivos – neonatos em geral, Narcine brasiliensis no arrasto camaroeiro, e jovens e adultos de espécies com captura proibida; e priorização à proteção de Carcharias taurus, P. percellens acompanhante da pesca de linguado, e jovens de Squatina sp., cujos adultos são alvo em redes de emalhe