Distribution and abundance in time and space of pelagic stingray <i>Pteroplatytrygon violacea</i> (Bonaparte, 1832)

Abstract

Pelagic stingray, formerly considered as a rare species is becoming a major bycatch of tuna longline fishery. Present study is an attempt to understand the abundance of pelagic stingray in time and space around Andaman & Nicobar Islands. General linear model has been fitted by using exploratory tuna longline survey data collected from A & N Islands. The study provided an account on the abundance and distribution pattern of the species. Present study recorded better catch rates during the new moon period and the results indicated the significant effect of the lunar cycle on the catch rate of pelagic stingray. Almost nil catch rate recorded during monsoon period was quite interesting and results showed that there is a significant effect of the monsoon on the catch rate. An increasing trend of the year wise catch rates indicates the fishing pressure on the co existing oceanic resources.