SPECIES COMPOSITION, COMMERCIAL LANDINGS, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION OF FISHES BELONGING TO ORDER MYLIOBATIFORMES FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

A review of the rays species belonging to 4 families Aetobatidae, Gymnuridae, Mobulidae and Myliobatidae (Order; Myliobatiformes) from Pakistan is made which indicated the occurrence of 16 species belonging to 5 genera. There is no aimed fisheries for these species but these are caught as by catch of trawling and gillnetting (both pelagic and bottom-set). These species are used exclusively as raw material for production of fishmeal. Of the 16 species recorded during present study, 12 are considered as Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened according to IUCN Red List indicating that there is need for taking additional conservation measures under the legislations of provincial governments. There is a ban on catching, landing and marketing of the members of family Mobulidae whereas there is need for enactment of laws for protection of species of Aetobatidae, Gymnuridae and Myliobatidae occurring in Pakistan.