Elasmobranch Fishery along Odisha Coast – An Overview

Elasmobranch are a meagre component of the total marine fish landings of Odisha. Landings data of elasmobranchs during 1976-2020 revealed a declining trend with highest recorded in 1979 (4331 t) and lowest in 2018 (308.6 t). In 2020, the estimated landings were 2042 t, registering an increase of about 76% compared to the previous year. Being a non-targeted resource, the elasmobranch fishery comprises sharks, rays and guitarfishes. During the present investigation, 46 species were recorded in landings along the coast