Catch Composition, Seasonality, and Biological Aspects of Sharks Caught in the Ecuadorian Pacific

Although sharks have a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems, exerting great influence on lower levels food chain, their populations are declining worldwide due, to large extent, overfishing. Of 64 species registered Ecuador, from January December 2019, 19 were recorded Manta 15,455 captured individuals, with family Carcharhinidae being most abundant catches (69.4%), and was Prionace glauca (57.9%). Regarding threatened species, such as Carcharhinus longimanus, Sphyrna lewini, zygaena, greater presence immature specimens observed landings. However, information composition biological aspects shark Ecuadorian Pacific is very scarce. Therefore, research characteristics life history (age, growth, maturity) utmost importance for stock assessments that exploited, especially developing countries, where this lacking, causing inadequate management fishery resources.