The present field guide is designed to assist in the identification of pelagic sharks and rays of the Western Indian Ocean that are major, moderate, or minor importance to fisheries. It encompasses the offshore, high seas portion of FAO Fishing Area 51. The Western Indian Ocean pelagic elasmobranch fauna is currently represented by thirty four shark species and seven ray species. This field guide includes full species accounts for all known species, although it is acknowledged that some vagrant species not included here may on occasion be caught. Each species is described, depicted with a colour illustration and photo, and key distinguishing features of similar-looking species occurring in the area are highlighted allowing for easy and accurate identification in the field. This field guide is intended to help fishery workers collecting catch data in the field in the identification of the sharks and rays they are likely to encounter. It is conceived to be updatable, offering the possibility to add additional species accounts as new information becomes available.