Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

The fshery characteristics and biology of mackerel at Vizhinjam.

Volume 33 Issue 1&2

G.Gopakumar, N. Gopalakrishna Pillai and T. A. Omana

Abstract

Annual mackerel landings during 1977-'86 at Vizhinjam averaged 191.5 tonnes. The fishing season for mackerel here extends from October to May with peak in April-May. Drift net yielded 63% of the catch. Another 20% was caught by hooks and line. Mechanisation of traditional craft has increased the catch. The size of fish caught ranged between 50 and 290 mm. Peak spawning was once during April-May and again during September-October. Problems caused by indiscriminate exploitation of spawners during peak breeding periods and young fish in pre-recruitment phase are discussed. Possibilities for augmenting production are suggested. Observations on biology, length-weight relationship and present status of utilization and marketing are also dealt with in this paper.

Date : 31-12-1991