Relative abundance and use of elasmobranchs in artisanal fisheries of the Lesser Antilles

Shark and ray populations continue to decline in many regions around the world. The contribution of artisanal fisheries to these declines remains poorly understood for many locations. A rapid assessment framework using fisheries-independent sampling and fisher interviews was employed to study elasmobranch occurrence and use in coastal artisanal fisheries of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Tobago. In-person interviews (n = 405) were conducted between June 2015-June 2017, and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) (n = 50 video drops/reef) were deployed in nine reefs across the islands. The fate of elasmobranchs caught by artisanal fishers varied by island. Martinique reported the highest proportion of fishers keeping their catch for subsistence among the study locations. In Guadeloupe, fishers most frequently sold their catch, and Tobago fishers engaged in both subsistence fishing and sale. Fishers retained almost all animals caught and reported reduced catches of elasmobranch compared to when they started fishing. BRUVS revealed relatively low elasmobranch occurrence and a low Shannon diversity index compared to Caribbean nations with less fishing pressures on elasmobranchs. The present study highlights the need for improved data on, and monitoring of, artisanal fisheries.