Tuna Fishery Resources and their Exploitation by Low Energy Fishing Techniques

The tuna resources landed by the small scale fishery sector in the neritic zone of the \nIndian EEZ evinced an increase of about 25,000 t in 1989 over that of 20,350 t in 1984. \nOf these, about 53% and 13% of the total tuna landings are contributed by the SW and \nSE coasts of India respectively in recent years. In the present communication, the recent trend of fishery for tunas along the coasts of India as a result of mechanisation of traditional fishing crafts and Introduction of mechanised-cum-sail boats are quantitatively evaluated. Diversification in the small scale fishery sector is also dealt with and the resultant increased efficiency of the gear in the catch rate of tunas is discussed.