Indescriminate destruction of juveniles of spiny cheek grouper Epinephelus diacanthus (Valenciennes) off Quilon, Kerala

Abstract

An incidence of juvenile capture of Epirleplrelus diacantlrus (Val.) (Family: Serranidae) off Quilon, South west Coast of India is reported. They formed 65% of the discards landed on 13-10-2005 with an estimated catch of 2,610kg. The juveniles were in the size range of 88-140mm (mean size = 1 IOmm) with the modes at 106-1 10mm and at 116-120mm. They fed on crabs (C11arybdi.v sp.), mysids, Acetes sp., and alima larvae of Squilla. Length-weight relationship of these small fishes was worked out as LogW = - 5.421865 +3.26 Log L (r =0.9193). It is estimated that the juveniles with an average calculated weight of 17.2g, if allowed to grow would have yielded a biomass of 76t with each individual attaining a total weight of 504g at the end of first year. Necessary management measures such as establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are necessary for protecting their nursery spawning grounds.