Shore seine fishery along Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram district, southwest coast of India

Abstract

This study deals with seasonal variation in species composition of commercially important fishery resources caught by shore seines along Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram district, south west coast of India. The estimated annual average fish landings by shore seines amounted to 22.5 t caught at a catch per unit (CPU) of 74.17 kg and catch per hour (CPH) of 18.54 kg during August 2012 to September 2014. The fishery, mostly represented by fin fishes (99%) comprising of 43 species belonging to pelagic and demersal groups, was dominated by sardines, anchovies and silver bellies. The peak fishing season was observed as post-monsoon contributing 54% of total fish landings, followed by pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. A detailed study on the species composition with their size distribution was carried out for the first time from Poovar. The deleterious impact of shore seine operation on account of exploitation of bulk catches of juveniles of commercially valuable fishery resources is discussed along with suitable suggestions for proper management of the fishery.