Management of the Falkland Islands Multispecies Ray Fishery: Is Species-specific Management Required?

The commercial multispecies ray fishery in the Falkland Islands is managed without the benefit of data on the biology and catch-at-age. The fishery is managed as an assemblage. Simple production models are applied to estimate sustainable exploitation levels. Recent research surveys and an observer program are helping to fill in knowledge gaps that will improve management. The northern ray assemblage has been robust to fluctuating fishing pressure. The relative abundance data do not show local biomass depletion. Three species show declining trends, while two species are increasing. Analysis of data on one species-Raja flavirostris-revealed a broad distribution but no resident population. No diversity declines have been reported but one heavily exploited area to the south has been closed and provides a refuge for some rajid species.