Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Salinity and thermal characteristics of the coastal waters off southwest coast of India and their relation to major pelagic fisheries of the region.

Volume 33 Issue 1&2

V. Narayana Pillai

Abstract

A study of the sea water temperature and salinity of the coastal waters along the southwest coast of India between Cape Comorin and Ratnagiri based on observations made along 6 sections for a period of 8 years is made use of for the study. The variations in the monthly mean sea surface temperature and salinity, the position of the therraocline and depth of salinity maxima were studied. Vertical time series sections were used to compare the variations noticed in the vertical oscillation of various isotherms in space and time. An attempt is made to identify the isotherm which exhibits maximum vertical oscillation. The net vertical movement of the water masses, was estimated based on the vertical oscillation of selected isotherm. Possible existence of convergence zones in the area under study was established with the help of horizontal salinity distribution maps. An attempt is also made to examine possible correlations of sea water temperature and salinity with the occurrence of oilsardine, mackerel and whitebait in the area under study.

Date : 31-12-1991