Ribbonfishes comprising mainly of Trichiurus lepturus contributed 4% of the total marine fish production in India during the period 1976-85. Seasonal catch trend along the different maritime States and the role played by the mechanised boats in augmenting production have been described. Based on the findings of the exploratory fishing vessels of the Fishery Survey of India especially along the west coast potential resources of ribbonfish in different areas have been identified in various depth zones. It has been suggested to tap the resource by the mechanised sector beyond the coastal waters as the fishery is underexploited at present.