Elasmobranch fisheries in Tunisia: Characterization, fishermen’s insights and conservation options

Elasmobranchs in Tunisia are facing an increased fishing pressure due to the decline of traditional fishery resources. This study aims to characterize the artisanal elasmobranch fisheries in Tunisia, assess their impact on species populations and recommend future management strategies. The method was based on inspections and 161 interviews with local fishermen targeting sharks and batoids during 2022 and 2023. Results showed that elasmobranch fisheries are practiced only in the Gulf of Gabès. Specific gillnets are used to target Carcharhinus plumbeus , Mustelus mustelus , Mustelus punctulatus , Glaucostegus cemiculus and Aetomylaeus bovinus , and the former species is also targeted with pelagic longlines, primarily during spring and summer. Furthermore, fishermen adapt their fishing gear and grounds in response to the appearance of species in the area when they move to shallow waters for reproduction. More than 90 % of fishermen stated that catch composition varies by month and target species, with most captures consisting of adult specimens of both sexes, particularly pregnant females, suggesting that these fisheries exploit species in their essential habitats. Most respondents reported declines in both catches and sizes of target species over the past 10 years, mainly due to overfishing. This exploitation, combined with the absence of management strategies, could jeopardize elasmobranch populations in the area. Conservation measures were deemed urgent to ensure the sustainable management of elasmobranch fisheries in Tunisia. Actions such as controlling fishing effort and closing critical habitats could yield significant benefits for the long-term sustainability of these fisheries. • Documented the full extent of elasmobranch-specific fisheries in Tunisia. • Revealed new target zones and gear types for vulnerable elasmobranch species. • Identified fishing during reproductive peaks as major threat to populations. • Detected sharp declines in catch and size, confirmed by 94 % of fishermen. • Recommended spatial-temporal closures based on critical habitat usage.