Fishing gears have varying degrees of impact on the survival and mortality of targeted and non-targeted species, with extremely damaging consequences in some cases. This study carried out in Malvan, Maharashtra, attempted to understand the post-capture survival (PCS) rate of two species of bamboo sharks, classified in the ‘Near Threatened’ category by the IUCN. Primary data on physical/ response conditions of individuals were collected after capture. Individuals were identified to the species level and their biological parameters, including size, sex and maturity, in different fishing gears were recorded from landing centres. Chiloscyllium arabicum (Arabian bamboo shark) showed the highest PCS rate in gill nets (Kruskal Wallis Test Statistic, KW H = 8.23, p <0.05) whereas Chiloscyllium griseum (grey bamboo shark) had a higher PCS rate in trawl nets (KW H = 6.68, p <0.05). A comparison of the two species showed higher PCS for C. arabicum (overall KW H = 6.05, p <0.05). Sex, maturity and size were found to have no impact on survival rates (p >0.1). Thus, PCS was influenced by both species and fishing gear. This understanding can aid in devising conservation strategies for endangered elasmobranchs.

Elasmobranch, post-capture survival, mortality, maturity, conservation