<p>Puffer proliferation in tropical coastal waters: influence of indiscriminate trawling</p> <p><strong> </strong></p>
Online Publishing @ NISCAIR
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Authentication Code |
dc |
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Title Statement |
<p>Puffer proliferation in tropical coastal waters: influence of indiscriminate trawling</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> |
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Added Entry - Uncontrolled Name |
Padate, V P Can, A Rivonker, C U ; School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa - 403206 Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. |
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Uncontrolled Index Term |
Meso-predator, Predator removal, Proliferation, Pufferfish, Trawl catch |
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Summary, etc. |
<p style="text-align: justify;">Intensive mechanized fishing has induced marked alterations in coastal marine ecosystems resulting in proliferation of low-value, nuisance species in marine fish catches. Assessment of 75 shrimp trawl catches taken in the near-shore waters off Goa, west coast of India during active fishing periods from 2006 – 2008 revealed that the demersal pufferfish, <em>Lagocephalus spadiceus</em> constituted ≈ 27 % by weight of the trawl catch during January – March, and its catch was inversely related to prey and predator species. Sub-tidal rock reefs and submerged rocky patches in the study area offer suitable substrates for spawning, and the predominance of adults during these months suggesting spawning migration. Comparison of the present data with published literature indicates a significant reduction in puffer predators (catfishes). Excessive removal of high-value predators favours the proliferation of pufferfish and its establishment as a meso-predator, probably triggering a potential trophic cascade. The paper discusses the role of removal of High Trophic Level (HTL) species in the proliferation of a meso-predator and its impact on ecosystem function.</p> |
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Publication, Distribution, Etc. |
Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences (IJMS) 2022-09-01 00:11:22 |
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Electronic Location and Access |
application/pdf http://op.niscair.res.in/index.php/IJMS/article/view/56343 |
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Data Source Entry |
Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences (IJMS); ##issue.vol## 51, ##issue.no## 02 (2022) |
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Language Note |
en |
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