10 May 2016 Thoothukudi, India, Indian Sub-continent Education | Fishes | Marine
This study is aimed to survey the species specific abundance and exploitation status of rays. Creating awareness among fishermen and identifying conservation measures of rays.
The proposed study area includes four major fish landing centers such as Chennai, Nagapattinam, Tuticorin and Colachal (South east coast of India), where the rays landings are mainly by mechanized boats. Landing status of rays will be collected in a weakly interval, species identification by conventional taxonomy and landing status will be followed by standard methods. One year full landing data will be collected from the study area. From that we can measure the abundance of ray’s status, based on the results we can formulate the species specific action for the sustainable management. The banned ray species identification posters will be prepared and distributed among the fishermen and boat owners. Finally, interactions will be made with the fishermen: 1, through the informal interviews and 2, via awareness programs. The awareness programme will be conducted from the study area with various stake holders involving fishermen, boat owners, NGO volunteers, fisheries extension officials from state governments, policy makers etc. This will helps to minimize the fishing pressure on banned rays and for making species specific management plans for the effective conservation.