Bycatch of large elasmobranchs in the traditional tuna traps (tonnare) of Sardinia from 1990 to 2009

The species composition and extent of large elasmobranch bycatch in the Sardinian tuna trap fisheries have received minimal attention in the primary literature. The Sardinian Large Elasmobranch Database (SLED), a non-governmental project, contains records from direct observations, fishing industry sources and reviews from the literature regarding the extent and composition of large elasmobranch bycatch from the only six tuna traps at six fishing sites (Saline; Capo Testa; Carloforte; Portoscuso; Calasetta; and Portopaglia) from the period of 1990 to 2009. During this time period, 42 bycatch events were documented that were comprised of the incidental capture of 15 Mobulid rays and 27 large sharks representing ten species and seven families (23% of the total elasmobranch species previously reported in Sardinian waters). Even though the low number of collective elasmobranchs captured (n = 42) in this study does not pose a conservation concern several bycatch species considered rare and/or depleted in this region were among the species observed. Mobula mobular was the most abundant elasmobranch species caught, with Alopias vulpinus the most commonly caught shark species. There were differences in the catch per unit effort between the six sites with the highest CPUE occurring in Saline, Carloforte and Porto Paglia. Although the sheer volume and conservation impact of traditional tuna traps on large elasmobranchs is exceeded by other fishing gears in Mediterranean waters, small scale (long term) bycatch monitoring programs are vital when evaluating the presence, biodiversity and conservation of elasmobranchs in previously unstudied areas.

Research highlights
► Sardinian tuna traps captured 15 Mobulid rays and 27 large sharks between 1990 and 2009.
► Several species considered rare and/or depleted in this region.
► Highest CPUE occurred in Saline, Carloforte and Porto Paglia.