Giant guitarfish  (Rhynchobatus djiddensis)

Threats

The fins of the giant guitarfish are among the most sought-after of any species in Asian markets - used for making shark-fin soup - and consequently there are concerns about over-fishing (1) (6). Its value makes this species an important fish to be directly targeted as well as retained as bycatch, and substantial declines in abundance have been recorded in Indonesian fisheries, and are also thought likely to be occurring elsewhere (1). Additionally, this unusual fish is highly prized by sport anglers in southern Africa for its size and powerful fight when hooked (7).

Conservation

There are currently no conservation measures targeting this species. More research is certainly needed into current levels of harvesting and the direct impact this is having on population sizes (1).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
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