Availability and abundance of both migratory and resident species of tuna live baits in desired quantity during the fishing season in the lagoons and adjacent waters coupled with their location, capture and transportation determine the success or failure of pole and line tuna fishery. It is evident that at Minicoy, capture and effective utilisation of different species of live baits has been in vogue since more than a century but in the northern group of islands where mechanised pole and line fishery is prevailing since 1963, the aimed live bait species are sprats, which are collected from shallow sand flats from near or above coral reefs. The present study reveals the occurrence and abundance of other suitable live baits with desired qualities in the deeper parts of the lagoonal ecosystem in the northern islands, the utilization of which would reduce substantial fishing pressure on the local fragile baitfish stock of sprat.

Fishery and population characteristics of seventeen species of tuna live baits collected from areas of importance to tuna pole and line fishery in the Lakshadweep are presented and discussed. Evaluation of different species is made based on their body form, colouration, behaviour pattern and survival in captivity. Habitat and seasonal distribution pattern and catch rate of different bait species are communicated. Data needs for stock assessment of these species are emphasised and strategies for the development and management of baitfish fishery in the Lakshadweep is discussed.