Bumper catch of oil sardine Sardinella longiceps along Cuddalore coast

Abstract

The oil sardine Sardinella longiceps constitutes the most important pelagic resource sustaining the marine fishery on the west coast of India. Two decades ago, the occurrence of this species along the east coast was considered sporadic and rare. In early eighties, there was report on the unusual landing of this species along Puducherry region. Over the years, there has been an increase in the landings of this species on the east coast especially along the Coromandal coast. In July 2008, there were reports in the local daily news papers that the oil sardine shoals were found to move towards the shore off Devanampattinam fishing village and small boys were also able to have easy access to the fish shoal who handpicked the sardines. Some fishes were also stranded and found dead on the beach. This occurrence is linked to upwelling phenomenon which brings the oxygen depleted cold water from the bottom of the sea due to churning by the water current.