The results of analyses of data on the pelagic sharks taken by the Japanese longline fishery in
the Indian Ocean during 1972-1975 are presented and discussed. Distribution of average monthly
hook-rates indicates that areas of high concentration occur off the coast of southern and eastern
Africa, western and eastern sectors of Arabian Sea and off western Australia. Seasonal pattern of
abundance showed fluctuations. High hook-rates were recorded from the coast of southern Africa
during November to July; from the tropical waters of east African coast from October to April;
from the western sector of the Arabian Sea during January to July; from the eastern sector during
January to July and from the west coast of Australia almost all the year roun
