Biodiversity as an index of regime shift in the eastern Bering Sea

Data collected from an annual groundf ish survey of the eastern Bering Sea shelf from 1975 to 2002 were used to estimate biomass and biodiversity indexes for two fish guilds: f latfish and roundfish. Biomass estimates indicated that several species of f latfish (particularly rock sole, arrowtooth flounder, and f lathead sole), several large sculpins (Myoxocephalus spp.), bigmouth (Hemitripterus bolini), and skates (Bathyraja spp.) had increased. Declining species included several f latfish species and many smaller roundfish species of sculpins, eelpouts (Lycodes spp.), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Biodiversity indexes were calculated by using biomass estimates for both guilds from 1975 through 2002 within three physical domains on the eastern Bering Sea shelf. Biodiversity trends were found to be generally declining within the roundfish guild and generally increasing within the f latfish guild and varied between inner, middle, and outer shelf domains. The trends in biodiversity indexes from this study correlated strongly with the regime shift reported for the late 1970s and 1980s.

The reproductive cycle of the thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) in the western Gulf of Maine

The thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) is a large species of skate that is endemic to the waters of the western north Atlantic in the Gulf of Maine. Because the biomass of thorny skates has recently declined below threshold levels mandated by the Sustainable Fisheries Act, commercial harvests from this region are prohibited. We have undertaken a comprehensive study to gain insight into the life history of this skate. The present study describes and characterizes the reproductive cycle of female and male thorny skates, based on monthly samples taken off the coast of New Hampshire, from May 2001 to May 2003. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), shell gland weight, follicle size, and egg case formation, were assessed for 48 female skates. In general, these reproductive parameters remained relatively constant throughout most of the year. However, transient but significant increases in shell gland weight and GSI were obser ved during certain months. Within the cohort of specimens sampled monthly throughout the year, a subset of females always had large preovulatory follicles present in their ovaries. With the exception of June and September specimens, egg cases undergoing various stages of development were observed in the uteri of specimens captured during all other months of the year. For males (n=48), histological stages III through VI (SIII−SVI) of spermatogenesis, GSI, and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were examined. Although there appeared to be monthly fluctuations in spermatogenesis, GSI, and HSI, no significant differences were found. The production and maintenance of mature spermatocysts (SVI) within the testes was observed throughout the year. These findings collectively indicate that the thorny skate is reproductively active year round.

Age and growth estimates of the thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) in the western Gulf of Maine

The northwest Atlantic population of thorny skates (Amblyraja radiata) inhabits an area that ranges from Greenland and Hudson Bay, Canada, to South Carolina. Despite such a wide range, very little is known about most aspects of the biology of this species. Recent stock assessment studies in the northeast United States indicate that the biomass of the thorny skate is below the threshold levels mandated by the Sustainable Fisheries Act. In order to gain insight into the life history of this skate, we estimated age and growth for thorny skates, using vertebral band counts from 224 individuals ranging in size from 29 to 105 cm total length (TL). Age bias plots and the coefficient of variation indicated that our aging method represents a nonbiased and precise approach for the age assessment of A. radiata. Marginal increments were significantly different between months (Kruskal-Wallis P<0.001); a distinct trend of increasing monthly increment growth began in August. Age-at-length data were used to determine the von Bertalanffy growth parameters for this population: L∞ = 127 cm (TL) and k= 0.11 for males; L∞ = 120 cm (TL) and k= 0.13 for females. The oldest age estimates obtained for the thorny skate were 16 years for both males and females, which corresponded to total lengths of 103 cm and 105 cm, respectively.

Spatial and temporal patterns in the demersal fish community on the shelf and upper slope regions of the Gulf of Alaska

We analyzed data from National Marine Fisheries Service bottom trawl surveys carried out triennially from 1984 to 1996 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The continental shelf and upper slope (0–500 m) of the GOA support a rich demersal fish fauna dominated by arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias), walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and Pacific Ocean perch (Sebastes alutus). Average catch per unit of effort (CPUE) of all groundfish species combined increased with depth and had a significant peak near the shelf break at 150–200 m. Species richness and diversity had significant peaks at 200–300 m. The western GOA was characterized by higher CPUEs and lower species richness and diversity than the eastern GOA. Highest CPUEs were observed in Shelikof Strait, along the shelf break and upper slope south of Kodiak Island, and on the banks and in the gullies northeast of Kodiak Island. Significant differences in total CPUE among surveys suggest a 40% increase in total groundfish biomass between 1984 and 1996. A multivariate analysis of the CPUE of 72 groundfish taxa revealed strong gradients in species composition with depth and from east to west, and a weak but significant trend in species composition over time. The trend over time was associated with increases in the frequency of occurrence and CPUE of at least eight taxa, including skates (Rajidae), capelin (Mallotus villosus), three flatfish species, and Pacific Ocean perch, and decreases in frequency of occurrence and CPUE of several sculpin (Myoxocephalus spp.) species. Results are discussed in terms of spatial and temporal patterns in productivity and in the context of their ecological and management implications.

Status of the gill net fishery for the small pelagic fish species in western, south-western and southern coastal waters of Sri Lanka during 1995-1997

Small pelagic fish species are mainly caught by gill nets operated by fibre reinforced plastic boats fitted with 8-25hp out board engines, traditional crafts fitted with 8-1hp out board engines and non mechanised traditional crafts. Around 28 to 55% of the small pelagic catch in the study area consisted of trenched sardine Amblygaster sirm during 1995-1997 period. Another 26-36% of the catch composed of other Sardinella species such as Sardinella gibbosa, S. albella, S. sindensis and S. longiceps. Engraulids such as Encrasicholina heteroloba, Stolephorus insularis and Stolephorus indicus and Thryssa spp formed around 3-5% of the catch. The major component of this fishery consisted of Clupeids and Engrauhds and over 65 species ranged between smaller Engraulids to incidental rock fish, sail fish, seer fish, sharks, skates and rays. Around 1.4 to 1.9% of the catch consisted of Chirocentrus dorab, Sphyraenaspp, Scomberomorus spp, Lepturcanthus sp and Megalaspis cordyla. Around 1-11% of the catch consisted of incidentally catches of sharks, rays, skates and sail fish. Another 1.6 to 6% of the catch consisted of Selar crumenophthalamus and Rastrelliger kanagurta. The best fishing season appeared to be from June to October in the west coast and August to December in the south coast. The major components of Amblygaster sirm, Sardinella albella and Sardinella gibbosa were caught within the size ranges of 10.0-22.5 cm, 11.0-13.0 cm and 11.0-15.0 cm respectively. However, smaller sized fish of above species of sizes between 6.9 cm to 9.7 cm total length were incidentally caught in the gill nets operated for small Engraulids with a stretched mesh size of 1.6cm. The overall catch rate for the major fish landing centre at Negombo indicated an increase from 38.5 kg/boat trip during 1984-1990 period to 49.5 kg/boat trip during 1995-1997 period. The catch rate for the dominant species Amblygaster sirm has decreased from 28.17 kg/boat trip during 1983-1990 period to 17.47 kg/boat trip during 1995-1997 period at Negombo. The paper also discusses the changing overall catch rates, change in species abundance and possible management consequences that should be considered.

Preliminary observations of the use of under-water light in fish catch

Experiments with drift gill net with under-water lights were carried out in the sea and estuarine region along with a control net of the same specifications without any light in the same fishing ground for comparison. The experimental net caught more fish in number and weight than the control. Fishes like pomfrets (Pampus chinensis, Parastromafeus niger), seer (Scomberomorus spp), hilsa (Ilisha spp) etc showed positive phototaxis and were gilled encircling the point of illumination. Young skates (Mobula spp) and Polynemus tetradactylus were antiphototactic. The number of fishes caught increased with increase in period of illumination. The catch of larger fishes was maximum at 60 mts of illumination and the total catch increased with increase in intensity of light. Additional cost of operation with under-water light was Rs 1-25 per hr but the catch was 4 to 5 times greater than that of the control net.

On the optimum buoyancy-weight relation for a bottom trawl

Comparative fishing operations were carried out with 0.55; 0.75 and 1.00 buoyancy-weight relations of bottom trawl in order to find out the optimum relation. Two nets, 18.26 m. (60') two seam nylon and 16.16 m. (23') two seam cotton trawls, were used for the experiment. The results showed that the total catch per trawling hour with 0.75 B-W relation was 16.5% and 32.08% more than that with 0.55 and 1.00 B-W relation for nylon net used. A similar trend was noticed with cotton trawl also as the catch rate with 0.75 B-W relation was 13.89% and 25.78% more than that with 0.55 and 1.00 B-W relations. However, the analysis of catch composition indicated that the off bottom fishes like lactarius, upenoides sp., synagris sp. etc., were of more percentage with 1.00 B-W relation, near bottom fish like saurida, sciaenids etc., were more with 0.75 B-W relation, while the bottom fishes like soles, prawns, skates and rays etc., were more with 0.55 B-W relation.

Identification and distribution of cartilaginous fishes of the Persian Gulf (Bushehr Province waters)

Class Condrichthyes consist of two sub-classes: Holocehali and. Elasmobranchii, the second one are more divers and has more importance. Selachimorpha (sharkes) and Batidoidimorpha (rays and skates) are two super-order of Elasmobranchii, which they have crucial role in ecological balance in marine ecosystmes. Except few cases, most of sharks and rays (rays and skates) are not well identified, so a lot of works need to be done in this regards. The area of study is located between 49°, 35' and 52°, 33' E and between 27°, 21' and 30°, 02' N in depth of 7 to 78 in. Study were conducted diuring August 1998, September 1999. Samples were taken during 3 sea cruises from 70 bottom trawl net. All sharks and batoid fishes were identified based on biometric specifications (weight, total, length and sexuality for both group and extra biometric specifications, disc width, disc length, and tail length only for, batoid fishes). The 1140 specimens of batoid fishes identified belonged to 6 families, and 18 species. 3 new species were identified, they are Himantura sp.1 and Himantura sp.2 belonged to Dasyatidae family and Rhinobatos sp. belonged to Rhinobatidae Familiy. It needs more works and more adaquate ducuments for cl.earfing scientific names of these species. The 275 specimens of sharks identified belonged to 6 families and 10 species. Chiloscyllium sp. belonged to Hemiscylliidae, family as a new species was identified.

Scaling laws of ambush predator 'waiting' behaviour are tuned to a common ecology

The decisions animals make about how long to wait between activities can determine the success of diverse behaviours such as foraging, group formation or risk avoidance. Remarkably, for diverse animal species, including humans, spontaneous patterns of waiting times show random ‘burstiness’ that appears scale-invariant across a broad set of scales. However, a general theory linking this phenomenon across the animal kingdom currently lacks an ecological basis. Here, we demonstrate from tracking the activities of 15 sympatric predator species (cephalopods, sharks, skates and teleosts) under natural and controlled conditions that bursty waiting times are an intrinsic spontaneous behaviour well approximated by heavy-tailed (power-law) models over data ranges up to four orders of magnitude. Scaling exponents quantifying ratios of frequent short to rare very long waits are species-specific, being determined by traits such as foraging mode (active versus ambush predation), body size and prey preference. A stochastic–deterministic decision model reproduced the empirical waiting time scaling and species-specific exponents, indicating that apparently complex scaling can emerge from simple decisions. Results indicate temporal power-law scaling is a behavioural ‘rule of thumb’ that is tuned to species’ ecological traits, implying a common pattern may have naturally evolved that optimizes move–wait decisions in less predictable natural environments.

Estimating biomass, fishing mortality, and "total allowable discards" for surveyed non-target fish

Demersal fisheries targeting a few high-value species often catch and discard other "non-target" species. It is difficult to quantify the impact of this incidental mortality when population biomass of a non-target species is unknown. We calculate biomass for 14 demersal fish species in ICES Area VIIg (Celtic Sea) by applying species-and length-based catchability corrections to catch records from the Irish Groundfish Survey (IGFS). We then combine these biomass estimates with records of commercial discards (and landings for marketable non-target species) to calculate annual harvesting rates (HR) for each study species. Uncertainty is incorporated into estimates of both biomass andHR. Our survey-based HR estimates for cod and whiting compared well with HR-converted fishing mortality (F) estimates from analytical assessments for these two stocks. Of the non-target species tested, red gurnard (Chelidonichthys cuculus) recorded some annual HRs greater than those for cod or whiting; challenging "Pope's postulate" that F on non-target stocks in an assemblage will not exceed that on target stocks. We relate HR for each species to two corresponding maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference levels; six non-target species (including three ray species) show annual HRs >= HRMSY. This result suggests that it may not be possible to conserve vulnerable non-target species when F is coupled to that of target species. Based on biomass, HR, and HRMSY, we estimate "total allowable catch" for each non-target species.

Pesca comercial de tubarões e raias em Portugal

O objectivo do trabalho foi analisar os desembarques de tubarões e raias em Portugal no período 1986 – 2006. Esta análise revelou que os desembarques totalizaram 108.671 ton no referido período de 21 anos. Anualmente foram desembarcados, em média, cerca de 5.175 ton, com exemplares representantes de 8 ordens, 14 famílias e 44 espécies. Genericamente, os desembarques anuais destes grupos animais têm diminuído ao longo do tempo, apesar de se verificar um aumento no preço por quilo. O grupo mais desembarcado foi o das Raias (Raja sp.), responsável por 35.614 ton das capturas, ou seja, 33% do total. A este grupo seguiram-se as Patas-roxas (Scyliorhinus sp.), os tubarões Carocho (Centroscymnus coelolepis), Lixa (Centrophorus squamosus) e Barroso (Centrophorus granulosus), correspondendo a 12%, 12%, 10% e 9% dos desembarques, respectivamente. Na ausência de dados consistentes de CPUE, a comparação dos padrões de desembarques e preço foi utilizada como indicador da evolução do recurso, tendo em conta as várias espécies de elasmobrânquios. Centrophorus granulosus, Cações (Mustelus sp.), Tremelgas (Torpedo sp.), Marrachos (Carcharhinus sp.) e Tubarões-anjo (Squatina sp.) indiciaram sinais de possível sobrexploração, situação esta a merecer a atenção de programas futuros de I & DT. A evolução do esforço de pesca ao longo do tempo, ponderada sob a forma de “número de embarcações de pesca”, registou uma diminuição acentuada, embora substancialmente menor que a diminuição registada nos desembarques das espécies referidas. É pouco provável, por isso, que a diminuição dos desembarques seja fruto, unicamente, da diminuição na frota de pesca, mas sim de uma menor rendibilidade da actividade. Paralelamente, os aumentos de preço observados suplantaram largamente a taxa de inflação média, pelo que o aumento dos primeiros não é justificado inteiramente pelo aumento do segundo. Estes resultados tiveram eco nas análises de componentes principais (MAFA e DFA) conduzidas para as espécies, que validaram padrões de diminuição particularmente elevados nas espécies em que métodos anteriores já haviam apontado sinais de sobrepesca. Os resultados obtidos apontam para o facto de que algumas espécies parecem estar fora dos limites biológicos de segurança e, como tal, há necessidade de serem tomadas medidas de gestão eficazes.

Estudo comparativo entre criança com e sem joelhos valgos praticantes de hóquei em patins utilizando diferentes sistemas de análise

O presente estudo tem como objetivo comparar experimentalmente duas crianças praticantes de Hóquei em Patins, uma normal e uma com a patologia dos joelhos valgos, avaliando qualitativamente as diferenças posturais, estáticas e dinâmicas, decorrentes da utilização dos patins específicos desta modalidade, através do sistema de análise da Força de Reação do Solo (FRS), de Eletromiografia (EMG), de captura de movimento, e de modelação e simulação. Para atingir o objetivo definiu-se um protocolo de ensaios com as seguintes tarefas: repouso com e sem patins, marcha, corrida, deslizar com os dois pés apoiados e deslizar com o pé esquerdo levantado. No repouso avaliou-se a variação do ponto de aplicação da FRS da criança normal e patológica, com e sem patins. Ainda na tarefa de repouso avaliou-se também as componentes médio-lateral, antero-posterior individualmente e a componente vertical da FRS, juntamente com a atividade muscular dos músculos Gastrocnémio Medial (GM), Recto Femoral (RF), Vasto Medial (VM), Vasto Lateral (VL), Bicípete Femoral (BF), Semitendinoso (ST), Tensor da Fascia Lata (TFL), Gastrocnémio Lateral (GL), de forma a comparar os valores de intensidade de FRS e da atividade muscular dos diferentes instantes de tempo desta tarefa. Para as restantes tarefas apenas se avaliou individualmente as componentes médio-lateral e antero-posterior da FRS e a componente vertical da FRS juntamente com a atividade muscular dos referidos músculos, salientando as diferenças evidentes entre as curvas da criança normal e as curvas da criança patológica durante os diferentes instantes do movimento. Todas as tarefas referidas, exceto a tarefa de repouso com patins, foram ainda simuladas recorrendo a modelos músculo-esqueléticos. A partir destas simulações do movimento obtiveram-se os ângulos articulares e efetuou-se a respetiva análise. No final dos resultados obtidos apresentou-se uma tabela de resumo com o cálculo dos coeficientes de variação de cada grandeza, exceto nos gráficos da posição no espaço da FRS, onde se constatou que existe uma grande variabilidade inter-individuo em cada tarefa. A análise dos resultados de cada tarefa permite concluir que a utilização de patins pode trazer uma maior ativação muscular para a criança patológica, embora se verifique instabilidade articular. Apesar dessa instabilidade pode-se inferir que, uma maior ativação muscular decorrente da utilização de patins, tal como acontece na prática do hóquei em patins, pode trazer uma melhoria, a longo prazo, na estabilidade da articulação do joelho e na sustentação corporal, proporcionada pelo fortalecimento muscular.

The contribution of skate blade properties to skating speed

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relative contribution of skate blade properties to on-ice skating speed. Thirty-two male ice hockey players (mean age = 19±2.65 yrs.) representing the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA; Midget AAA and Junior), Canadian Inter University Sport (CIS: Varsity), Ontario hockey league (OHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), and the playing positions of forwards (n=18) and defense (n=14) were recruited to participate. Skate related equipment worn by the players for the purpose of the research was documented and revealed that 80% of the players wore Bauer skates, Tuuk blade holders and LS2 skate blades. Subjects completed a battery of eight on-ice skating drills used to measure and compare two aspects of skating speed; acceleration [T1(s)] and total time to complete each drill [TT(s)] while skating on three skate blade conditions. The drills represented skills used in the game of hockey, both in isolation (e.g., forward skating, backward skating, stops and starts, and cornering) and in sequence to simulate the combination of skills used in a shift of game play. The three blade conditions consisted of (i) baseline, represented by the blades worn by the player throughout their current season of play; (ii) experimental blades (EB), represented by brand name experimental blades with manufacturers radius of contour and a standardized radius of hollow; and (iii) customized experimental blades (CEB), represented by the same brand name experimental blades sharpened to the players’ preference as identified in the baseline condition. No significant differences were found in acceleration time [T1(s)] or total time to complete [TT(s)] the isolated drills across blade conditions; however significant differences were revealed in both T1(s) and TT(s) measured during the execution of the sequenced drill across blade conditions. A iii Bonferroni post hoc test revealed that players skated significantly faster when skating on the CEB condition compared to the baseline condition (p≤.05). A questionnaire assessing subjects perceived comfort, confidence and effort expended while skating on the experimental blades revealed that players were significantly more comfortable when skating on the CEB versus the EB condition (p≤.05). Outcomes of the study provide evidence to suggest that the experimental skate blades customized with the players preferred blade sharpening characteristics results in faster skating speed in a combination drill representing skills performed in gameplay.

Impact des troubles musculosquelettiques sur les mécanismes du contrôle postural chez les adolescents-hockeyeurs de niveau élite et intervention en Reconstruction Posturale®

Les adolescents-hockeyeurs peuvent être affligés de troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) résultant d’un excès de tension musculaire lequel peut mener à des déformations ou déséquilibres musculaires ainsi qu’à une attitude posturale inadéquate. Les conséquences de ces changements mènent souvent à une surcharge inutile du système musculosquelettique (SMS), à la perturbation des mécanismes du contrôle postural et éventuellement à l’apparition de douleurs musculaires et articulaires. Les interventions qui s’attaquent aux TMS par une rééquilibration de la tension musculaire sont peu nombreuses. Les interventions qui s’attaquent aux TMS par une normalisation de la tension musculaire sont peu nombreuses. La Reconstruction Posturale® (RP), testée cliniquement, est l’une d’entre elles. Dans un premier temps, cette thèse visait à identifier les caractéristiques du contrôle postural chez les adolescents-hockeyeurs de niveau élite lorsque le système somatosensoriel est mis à l’épreuve en position debout quasi statique pieds nus et en patins. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons évalué l’impact d’une intervention en RP sur des variables cliniques et biomécaniques, chez ces athlètes qui souffrent de TMS. Soixante-sept adolescents-hockeyeurs de niveau élite âgés de 15 à 18 ans ont participé à l’étude. Le contrôle postural de cinquante-sept joueurs a été évalué en position debout sur deux plateformes de force les yeux ouverts et les yeux fermés, pieds nus sur une surface dure et sur une mousse. De ce groupe, trente-cinq sujets ont également été évalués en patins, les yeux ouverts et les yeux fermés. Par la suite, neuf adolescents-hockeyeurs souffrant de TMS, ont été sélectionnés pour participer au protocole d’intervention thérapeutique en RP qui consistait en l’application de six séances de thérapie prodiguées sur une période de six semaines. Le déplacement du centre de pression (CP) sous les pieds a été calculé dans les directions antéro-postérieure (AP) et médio-latérale (ML). La vélocité moyenne du CP, le déplacement moyen du CP et l’étendue du CP ont été retenus pour rendre compte de la performance du contrôle posturale. D’autre part, l’asymétrie de mise en charge, la trajectoire du CP sous les pieds gauche et droit, le CPc pour rendre compte de la stratégie de chevilles et le CPv pour rendre compte de la stratégie de hanches ont été retenues pour identifier les stratégies utilisées pour maintenir l’équilibre. L’impact de l’intervention en RP a été évalué à l’aide de trois variables cliniques soit la douleur à l’aide de l’échelle visuelle analogue (ÉVA), la capacité fonctionnelle à l’aide d’un un questionnaire autoadministré et des photographies de la posture debout pour rendre compte des variables posturales biomécaniques. Nos résultats montrent que chez les adolescents-hockeyeurs la performance du contrôle postural en position debout statique est davantage perturbée par les changements somatosensoriels en direction ML alors qu’en AP, la perte d’informations visuelles ainsi que des changements somatosensoriels affectent la performance. Dans toutes les conditions expérimentales et dans les deux directions, nous avons observé une vélocité du CP remarquablement élevée, variant entre 18 et 22 mm/s. Au niveau des stratégies et indépendamment de la condition expérimentale, nous avons observé une dominance presque complète de la stratégie de cheville en AP alors qu’en ML, la stratégie de hanche dominait avec une contribution de la stratégie de cheville de plus de 20 %. En patins, en direction ML, aucun changement significatif de la performance n’a été observé. Toutefois en AP, nous avons observé une augmentation significative de la vélocité du CP, yeux ouverts et yeux fermés ainsi qu’une augmentation significative de l’étendue, yeux ouverts seulement. Au niveau des stratégies, la stratégie de cheville domine en AP et la stratégie de hanche domine en ML avec une contribution plus modeste de la stratégie de cheville qui était inférieure à 12 %. Chez les adolescents-hockeyeurs souffrant de TMS, post-intervention, nos résultats indiquent une diminution significative de la douleur et une amélioration des capacités fonctionnelles ainsi que de l’attitude posturale. Pré intervention en direction ML, nous avons observé une contribution significativement plus élevée de la stratégie de cheville au contrôle du CPnet et un retour vers des valeurs normales post-intervention. L’impact de l’intervention thérapeutique sur la performance du contrôle postural s’est avéré non significatif en ML et en AP.

Fishery and biology of deep-sea chondrichthyans off the southwest coast of india

Elasmobranchs comprising sharks, skates and rays have traditionally formed an important fishery along the Indian coast. Since 2000, Indian shark fishermen are shifting their fishing operations to deeper/oceanic waters by conducting multi-day fishing trips, which has resulted in considerable changes in the species composition of the landings vis- a-vis those reported during the 1980’s and 1990’s. A case study at Cochin Fisheries Harbour (CFH), southwest coast of India during 2008-09 indicated that besides the existing gillnet–cum- hooks & line and longline fishery for sharks, a targeted fishery at depths >300-1000 m for gulper sharks (Centrophorus spp.) has emerged. In 2008, the chondrichthyan landings (excluding batoids) were mainly constituted by offshore and deep-sea species such as Alopias superciliosus (24.2%), Carcharhinus limbatus (21.1%), Echinorhinus brucus (8.2%), Galeocerdo cuvier (5.4%), Centrophorus spp. (7.3%) and Neoharriotta pinnata (4.2%) while the contribution by the coastal species such as Sphyrna lewini (14.8%), Carcharhinus sorrah (1.4%) and other Carcharhinus spp. has reduced. Several deep-sea sharks previously not recorded in the landings at Cochin were also observed during 2008-09. It includes Hexanchus griseus, Deania profundorum, Zameus squamulosus and Pygmy false catshark (undescribed) which have been reported for the first time from Indian waters. Life history characteristics of the major fished species are discussed in relation to the fishery and its possible impacts on the resource