The exploited squid and cuttlefish resources of India; A review

Abstract

Squids and cuttlefishes are one of the important marine fishery resources of india, ranking next only to Finfishes and crustaceans (shrimps and lobsters). Exploratory fishing conducted recently have revealed the existence of squid and cuttlefish resources in the continental shelf and oceanic areas. With the declaration of the exclusive economic zone there are vast stretches of fishing areas where fishing for squids and cuttlefishes could be carried out profitably. Recognizing the importance of these resources, the central marine fisheries research institute initiated investigations on the fisheries, resources characteristics and biological aspects of cephalopods at important fishing centers along the east and west coasts for a better management of the resources. The synoptic information presented in this paper is mainly based on the results obtained on the fishery and biological investigations conducted during 1976 to 1980.