Abstract
In India, electric rays are not targeted by fisheries but form a significant portion of bycatch. Little information exists about their ecology and biology. Fishers’ traditional ecological knowledge can fill the knowledge gap for these historically data-deprived fishes. Hence, we assessed attitudes and perceptions of artisanal fishers towards electric rays' conservation. We gathered information on catch frequency, seasonality, population trends, post-capture usages, and socio-economic values through a semi-structured questionnaire survey. We interviewed 243 fishers at 15 artisanal villages in three states: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, along the east coast of India. The survey data was scrutinized, sorted into various categories: demographics, fisheries, and fishers’ traditional knowledge, analysed and visualised as graphs and figures. We also presented qualitative information as general statements or quoted specific comments to better explain our findings. We found that fishers were well aware of electric rays and their electrical discharge. The data indicated that fishers knew the habitat in nearshore sandy bottoms. They get electric rays in their bottom-set gill nets. In general, December, January and February have high electric ray bycatch. Post-capture usage includes take-home consumption, discarding them dead, releasing them alive, and sell to poultry. Fishers discussed health benefits of electric rays’ consumption. They perceived a downward trend in population due to anthropogenic influences: overfishing, pollution and climate change. Fishers’ knowledge and scientific contributions can help develop management plans and conservation strategies. Initiating awareness campaigns within fishing communities and coastal citizens foster positive attitudes, thereby enhancing the electric rays’ conservation.
Published Version
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