Assessments Of Species Diversity And Utilization Of Chondrichthyan Fishes In China

The datebase of Chondrichthyan species in China has been constructed. Based on this database and the combined information of G-F index, Shannon-Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness index, Margalef species richness index and Simpson index, biodiversity and endemism of sharks and rays distributed in China seas have been analyzed and compared. In addition, the utilization situation and the endangered status of chondrichthyan species in China have been assessed. The main contents were as follows:There are 106 genera,51 families,13 orders and 243 valid species distributed in China seas. Carcharhiniformes, Carcharhinidae and Carcharhinus was the most abundant group at the orders, family and genus level, respectively.According to the geographic distribution, chondrichthyan species composition in each sea areas has been studied. There are were 17 species in the Bohai Sea,40 species in the Yellow Sea,166 in the East Sea,170 in the South Sea,97 in Taiwan Strait,166 in the Pacific coast of Taiwan, and 186 in Taiwanese coastal area, Chondrichthyan species diversity in the South Sea and the Taiwanese coastal area are higher than those of other areas. More over, Chinese chondrichthyan fauna shows moderate similarity to that of Japan’s, while is moderate dissimilarity to that of Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Philippines and Viet Nam).A total of 83 species, including 19 alien species, were utilized in China. The number of Carcharhiniformes species was the most abundant, which makes up the bulk of utilized chondrichthyan species in China. Moreover, Utilization statuses of chondrichthyans in China were various, including meat (fresh and salt), skin, fin, bone, gill, etc.According to the criterion of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,91 chondrichthyan species in China were classified as threatened (critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable), which meant nearly 40 percent of chondrichthyans in China faced with danger. In consideration of the abundance, endangered status, etc., the South China Sea should be treated as Conservation Priority Areas of sharks and rays in China. Our study has provided the scientific basic data and the policy-making basis for reasonable use and the protection of chondrichthyans diversity in China.