The status of prawn fishery at Jakhau, Gujarat

During the past one decade, Jakhau has become an important seasonal (September to March) fishing centre In Kutch, attracting an increasing number of fishermen and traders from different parts of Gujarat. The prawn fishery contributed 24% of the total trawl landings during the 1985-86 season. The prawn fishery is chiefly supported by penaeids like Penaeus monodon, P. indlcus, P. semlsulcalua, Metapenaaus brevlconis, M. ktachansis, and non penaeids like HIppolysmata enslrostris and Exopataemon styllferus. The peak season for the fishery is from October to January. The average catch per Unit effort for prawns showed a clear decline during 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons. This is apparently attributed to the fact that increasing number of migrant fishermen come here to fish, leading to over fishing. Management measures that should be taken to conserve the stock in these fishing grounds are suggested.