Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Impact of bottom trawling and its closure period on infaunal macrobenthic population along the inshore waters off Kerala (India)

Volume 48 Issue 1

Joice V. Thomas and B. Madhusoodana Kurup

Abstract

Effect of bottom trawling on the infaunal communities at depth ranging from 0-50 m was studied by conducting experimental trawling operations along Cochin - Munambam area (Lat. 9⁰ 58' to l0⁰ I0'and Long.76⁰ 10'94 to 75⁰ 56') in Kerala, southwest coast of India during December 2000 to November 2002. Perceptible variations were observed in the abundance (No/m²), biomass (g/m²) and diversity of the infaunal polychaetes while comparing the sediment samples collected before and after trawling. Polychaetes were exposed to the sediment surface due to bottom trawling and showed an increase in density in the samples collected immediately after trawling. However, their density showed a reduction with progressive trawling operations. Nevertheless, an increase in the density was discernible during the trawl ban period which indicates that ban on trawling provide great respite for their regeneration along Kerala coast.

Keywords

Impact of trawling, effect of trawl ban, Kerala

Date : 30-06-2006