Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India

Abstract

In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a valuable source of information on species ecology and historical trends. LEK can also help understand how threatened species exist within a local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation. Rhino rays (guitarfish and wedgefish) are highly threatened by overfishing with most species critically endangered, yet poorly studied in countries like India that fish them the most. We drew on LEK to understand the socio‐ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, on the west coast of India. We investigated their habitat use and seasonality, interaction with fisheries, socio‐economic uses and relational values. We also explored attitudes of fishers towards rhino rays and their conservation. A combination of semistructured interviews and key informant interviews (88 in total) was conducted with fishers at multiple sites. Local knowledge suggests that nearshore habitats around river mouths form important nursery grounds for some rhino rays, and provided insights on their seasonality and breeding. Rhino rays appeared to be targeted historically but are entirely bycaught at present, with highest catches in gillnets and in the South Goa district, during September and October. LEK indicated that taxa like sawfish (Pristis spp.) and wedgefish (Rhynchobatus spp.) have severely declined or disappeared from this region. We coded different relational values, from recreation (rhino rays are consumed and enjoyed with alcohol) to symbolic values (rhino rays are considered lucky). All key informants expressed positive attitudes towards rhino ray conservation and stated that a ban on landing these species would have little to no impact on fisher earnings. The usefulness of LEK suggests it should be brought into the scientific mainstream to support development of more equitable and socially appropriate management plans. Fostering relational values can reinforce fishers' positive attitudes, thereby enhancing rhino ray conservation. Their low commercial value and potentially high post‐capture survival suggest that using norm‐based approaches to promote live release may be successful. Further research on rhino ray ecology and human dimensions can support the development of appropriate conservation interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Annual Recurrence of the Critically Endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) in Djibouti Waters

“…Reduced fishing pressure in Djibouti, primarily at the subsistence level using hook and line [20], might be connected to the stable and long-term presence of this species in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Although the Rhinopristiformes are thought to aggregate in the shallow coastal waters of a few sites [21], this is the first time that a predictable aggregation of R. ancylostomus has been reported, highlighting the importance of the Gulf of Tadjoura for this species. Indeed, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that multiple individuals (up to seven; see Table 1) were recorded at the same location over multiple years.…”

“…As shown in multiple fisheries monitoring programs in the Gulf of Aden and nearby waters, this species is facing a decline in numbers. While opportunistic surveys did not document the presence of this species at the local fish market, direct catches remain an ongoing threat to this population, together with bycatch, pollution, growing tourism, and plans for Although the Rhinopristiformes are thought to aggregate in the shallow coastal waters of a few sites [21], this is the first time that a predictable aggregation of R. ancylostomus has been reported, highlighting the importance of the Gulf of Tadjoura for this species. Indeed, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that multiple individuals (up to seven; see Table 1) were recorded at the same location over multiple years.…”

Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India

“…Regulations set by formal and informal fisher institutions, particularly when supported by responsible local markets for sustainable seafood have been successful at achieving conservation goals (Karnad et al, 2021). For instance, in Goa, where evidence of a targeted seasonal shark fishery supplying local consumers exists (Gupta et al, 2023), conservation strategy can focus on mitigation by applying appropriate financial or social incentives to prevent fishing during that period (Booth et al, 2023). Although financial incentives and high levels of monitoring and enforcement might work out to be too expensive in the long term, anecdotal evidence suggests that social incentives could prove to be more effective.…”