Sciaenid species diversity and associated gears at in Hooghly-Matlah estuary of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Sciaenids popularly known as croakers constitute an important commercial fishery in the state of West Bengal and rank as the third-largest in catch abundance at Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system. The landings of sciaenids contributed to 11.45% of marine fish catch of West Bengal during the year 2015-16. The present study was conducted to know the status and means of exploitation of sciaenids fishery for a period of one year (March 2017 to February 2018). Out of 20 species recorded genus Johnius dominated the group with 6 species followed by Nibea (3 species), Otolithoides (2 species) and other genera contributed one species each. The most dominant species in the region were recorded as Otolithoides pama, Chrysochir aureus, Johnius carutta, Panna microdon and Johnius gangeticus. Bag net and drift gillnet were found to be the most commonly used gears to catch sciaenids along with other species. Bhola ger, a small mesh selective drift gill net was mainly used to catch sciaenids (especially O. pama) from the estuarine region. The croakers are also caught by small and large seines, trawls, set-barrier nets, cast nets, lift nets, traps, hooks and lines, etc. The results of the present investigation will provide baseline information on sciaenid's fishery with the means of exploitation from Hooghly-Matlah Estuary.