ORCID
- Joanna Harris: 0000-0001-8684-9096
Abstract
Illegal fishing is a concern within marine protected areas (MPA) worldwide, particularly for threatened species such as manta and devil rays (mobulids). However, due to the lack of taxonomic knowledge of enforcement personnel, illegal fishing catch records relating to mobulids can be limited. Here, an examination of illegal catch photographs from local enforcement authorities of the Chagos Archipelago’s vast no-take MPA revealed approximately 79 individual mobulids from just seven vessels, equating to an estimated 20 tonnes. This is likely a vast underestimation due to the limited detection of illegal fishing activity and species-specific reporting. If catches of this magnitude are commonplace within the MPA, they are likely having a detrimental effect on local mobulid populations. Accurate and consistent catch data recording and reporting are crucial to fulfil mobulid conservation responsibilities, as is comprehensive research on the movement ecology and habitat use dynamics of all mobulid species in the region.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2024-03-19
Publication Title
Marine Policy
Volume
163
ISSN
0308-597X
Acceptance Date
2024-03-15
Deposit Date
2025-07-31
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Harris, J., & Stevens, G. (2024) 'The illegal exploitation of threatened manta and devil rays in the Chagos Archipelago, one of the world’s largest no-take MPAs', Marine Policy, 163. Available at: 10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106110
