Observations on the crab fishery of Mangalore coast

Abstract

Considerable quantities of crabs are caught in the inshore waters of Mangalore coast and from the river mouths of this zone during December- June period and these find a ready market in the towns. Crabs are brought to Mangalore town from the Ullal estuary and from Kasargod, Kumbla, Bengre and Mulki centres. The fishery is more active during February- April when fishing for the shoaling fishes reaches the waning period. Unlike in other towns in the south or in the north, crab meat is very much in demand in Mangalore. On estimation, it was found that as much as 22 tons of crabs are brought to Mangalore Webster market alone every season. It may be mentioned that the total production for the Malabar coast was estimated to be only about 23 tons (Chidambaram and Venkataraman, 1944), Crab meat is also sold at as high a price as any other esteemed variety of fish at this place unlike other centres where it does not fetch a high price.