Demersal fishery resources of India- Winter School onImpact of Climate Change on Indian Marine Fisheries held at CMFRI, Cochin 18.1.2008 to 7.2.2008

The neritic waters along the continental shelf of the Indian EEZ is endowed with a rich abode of demersal finfish resources contributing to about 27.5 % of the total marine landings of the country. The demersal finfishes represented by a total of 23 groups and 71 commercially important species by virtue of their multifarious uses contribute substantially both as a protein supplement and to the revenue generation of the nation. Besides, the island ecosystems of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar have rich potential of marine ornamental fish resources, which by their aesthetic value are very much in demand for aqariculture both in India and abroad. Nevertheless, these invaluable fishery resources are subjected to wider fluctuations and/or depletion because of the adversities caused both by fishery related and non-fishery related factors. The prospects and problems of demersal finfish fishery in India are examined here with possible managerial measures so as to sustain the fishery.