Indiscriminate fishing of juveniles of commercially important fishes by minitrawlers and boat seines at Chombala Fisheries Harbour, Kerala

Abstract

Chombala Fisheries Harbour is meant for operating traditional crafts and became operational since May 1999. The harbour is situated at lat 110 39’ 729" N and long 0750 33’ 062" E between Vadakara and Mahe. About 500 units of country crafts can safely anchor inside the harbour during the rough season. This facility is the main attraction for the fishermen in and around Chombala fishing village. Since the harbour has good marketing facilities, fishermen are getting better returns for their catch. Country crafts from fishing villages starting from Thikkodi to Mahe are utilising this harbour. Major gears under operation from this harbour are inboard ring seine 35 units, outboard ring seine - 30 units, mini trawl net - 125 units, pair trawl net - 50 units, driftnet - 50 units, boat seine- 100 units, gillnet - 150 units and 80 units of single day trawlers. Fishing is carried out throughout the year and during the monsoon period, i.e., during June to August intensive fishing activity takes place. Crafts and gears from the adjacent landing centers camp at Chombala for monsoon fishing operations.