The Blackchin Guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) also known as “Yoyo” or “Aplla” in Ghana.

 

Blackchin guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) is the only West African occurring species of six critically endangered species of the family Glaucostegidae. The species’ geographical range falls within the high fishing pressure zone of West African coastal regions with Ghana as one of such hotspots. The species has undergone >90% population reduction over the last three generations. Giant guitarfishes have high-quality meat and the best quality fins for human consumption and are among the highest valued in the international shark fin trade. These qualities make them targets for heavy exploitation by net and trawl fisheries leading to overfishing. The species is listed as CITES Appendix II; however, its international trade is on the increase. Worst, little

information exist on the species population estimates, harvest and trade patterns as well as its conservation status. Another significant conservation challenge is the lack of awareness on the plight and status of the species within the local communities.

The project’s goal was to generate key fisheries and socioeconomic data relevant to the conservation of the species. Additionally, data from the project was crucial to regulation of fishing activities and management of coastal ecosystems. To achieve these goals, the project assessed the population, distribution, harvest regimes, and trade activities associated with the species exploitation. Community conservation education and stakeholder meetings were organized to inform coastal communities about the species’ conservation and solicit support for the conservation of the species. The project was funded by the Rufford Small Grant.

The project was conducted in six communities along the Dangme Coastline. The communities were, Ahiem, Lolonya, Totope, Azizanya, Ada Foah, and Old Ningo. Project activities included landing surveys to determine numbers captured (an inference to determine population) and distribution surveys to identify sourced points were the species occurs. Additionally, socioeconomic assessment surveys were conducted (through questionnaire administration) to determine the correlation of demographic dynamics of fishers to the species trade and determine the economic significance of the trade to coastal communities. Awareness creation and focal group discussions were conducted to inform community members (fishers, fishmongers, and students) on the plight of the species, solicit for indigenous conservation interventions, and implore communities’ support towards the species conservation.

Key findings/Outcomes

  • Landings survey yielded a total of 12 individuals (2 adult and 10 juveniles) of the Blackchin Guitarfish.
  • Two threatened guitarfishes [Spineback Guitarfish (Rhinobatos irvinei) and Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos)] and one panray [Maculate Panray (Zanobatus maculatus)] were also encountered. The Maculate Panray is listed Near Threatened whiles the Spineback Guitarfish and Common Guitarfish are listed Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
  • A total of 42 individuals of the Maculate Panray, 20 individuals of Spineback Guitarfish, and 24 individuals of the Common Guitarfish were recorded.
  • Distribution surveys revealed that the catchments of Ahiem, Lolonya, and Old Ningo coastal communities were the locations where the Blackchin Guitarfish are resident.
  • According to the harvest and trade surveys, the fishing activities along the Dangme coastline is unregulated and fishers use unauthorized gears. The high economic value of the panray and the guitarfishes, to the livelihoods of fishers and fishmongers deters them from adhering to fishing regulations and or supporting their conservation.