Tuna fisheries of India

Tunas constitute 3.7% of the total commercial pelagic Jin fish \nproduction of the country (Av. 1992-96: 1,14.1067 t). The dominant \nspecies which support tuna fishery in the small scale sector in \nIndia are Euthynnus afflnls. Auxis thazard, A. rochel, Thunnus \ntonggol, Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares and Sarda \norlentalls. Of the total tuna catch (Av. 1992-96: 41,978 t). 77.6% \nhas been landed from, the west coast, 16.8% from the east coast 5% \nfrom the Lakshadweep and 0.5% from the Andaman & Nicobar islands. \nThe status of production of different tuna species in India \nand their environmental preference are summarised. Biological features \nsuch as food and feeding habits, age and growth, size at first \nmaturity, spawning and fecundity are briefly discussed. Trends in \nthe production of tunas along the mainland coast of India and \nLakshadweep, population parameters and the results of stock assessment \nare presented briefly. Suggestions for future research \nand options for tuna fishery development in India are also discussed. \nThe present communication is a review of the works done during the \npast fifty years and discusses the present status and future strategy \nof tuna fisheries research and development in India.