Long line fishing for high value species off southern India with special reference to structural and operational changes

Abstract

Longline fishing is a fuel efficient and selective fishing method with low environmental impact. The longline fishing methods of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are discussed in this paper, based on the studies conducted during 2012-2013. Mechanized vessels of LOA 9.5 to 20 m with 97-250 hp engines are used for longline fishing in this region. Fishing is normally multiday extending from 5 to 40 days. The longline vessel has a crew complement of 6 to 15. Some of the vessels use mechanical or hydraulic winches for hauling the line. The total length of the main line ranged from 15 - 25 km.Longline vessels target commercially important high value species like tuna, marlin, sailfish,seerfish, shark and rays. Structural and operational changes in longline fishing which happened during the last few decades have also been documented.