On the prawn resources of Karwar region

The scope for increased exploitation of the prawn resources is envisaged in the recent exploratory fishing \noperations by the Indo-Norwegian vessels during September 1963 to May 1964 in Ihe Karwar region. M. affinis, \nM. dobsoni and P. stylifera are the important species occurring in the trawl iishery. From the high \naverage catch rates in some of the months, it appears that the prawn fishery is comparatively better in September \nto February. The highest figures for catch per hour of trawling between 8-10, 10-15 and 15-20 fathoms respectively were 3-48kg., 17-61 kg. and 12'56kg. thus pointing to the comparatively better catches of prawns in regions between 10-15 fathoms. Detailed areawise analysis has been made of the catches in trawling operations oflf Karwar with special reference to prawns.