Distribution pattern of the major exploitedmarine fishery resources of India

The annual estimated total marine fish catch in India for the period 1951-65 is 0 • 68786 million metric tons. The marine fish production of the countries bordering the Indian Ocean in 1966 was 2-2 million metric tons, of which 40-5% was from India. In the annual average catches for 15-year period in the states, Kerala has ranked first (31 -47%), followed by Maharashtra (22-4%), Madras (14-91%), Gujarat (16-9%), Mysore (8-3%) and Andhra (7 • 57%). The contribution to marine fisheries from West Bengal, Orissa, Goa, South Andamans and Laccadive Islands is about 1% from each or even less. Statewise distribution pattern of the major fish groups, the component species, their life habits in relation to seasonal fluctuations in the fisheries have been discussed. A series of illustrations has been made to show the fishing craft and gear commonly used in different States, the fish species obtained and their fluctuations in the landings from quarter to quarter. The landings by the exploratory and commercial fishing trawlers form about 1% of the total marine fish landings. The vessels operating from different bases, the common types of gear used and the catch per hour returns obtained in respect of different categories of vessels are discussed. Productive areas have been charted in the regions covered by vessels operating from Bombay, Karwar, Mangalore, Cannanore, Cochin, Tuticorin, Mandapam and Visakhapatnam. The species abundance in each region and depthwise distribution as revealed by trawler landings have been recorded. Indian Ocean contours, currents, regional upwelling, hydrology and plankton intensities have been shown in charts from the available information, to enable understanding their relation to fluctuation in the fisheries.