Demersal fishery resources of monsoon months along central west coast of India

Abstract

An attempt is made to assess to potential demersal resources of the central west coast of India between lat 13 degrees N-18 degrees N,long 71 degrees -74 degrees E during the southwest monsoon (June-September) season, from the data collected from 1983-1993. The monsoon period fishery resources are identified as nemipterids from July to September in zone 2 (100-200 m) between lat. 13 degrees N-17 degrees N. Priacanthids are found in patches mainly between lat. 14 degrees -16 degrees N. The reef cods are found distributed along lat. 14 degrees -15 degrees N in zone 1 and 2 during the end of August and September months and lat. 14 degrees -18 degrees N in zone 2 during the end of September. The resources are concentrated in the region of Bhatkal and Vengurla respectively. Cephalopods are found concentrated between lat. 13 degrees -15 degrees N especially from 80 m-130 m from July to October from Mangalore to Bhatkal. Mackerels in the catches are found during June and July months along lat. 13 degrees =14 degrees N in zone 1 off Mangalore. Some resources which are known to concentrate during monsoon months therefore can be exploited judicially.