Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Exploitation of the lower zone of the Hooghly by migratory fishing units.

Volume 17 Issue 3

P. Datta, G. C. Latha and P. M. Mitra

Abstract

Fishery exploitation by migratory bag-net units is a typical feature of the lower zone of the Hooghly Estuary during winter seasons. It has been estimated that about 1,000 men with 300 nets migrate from the upper areas and set up fishing camps in the islands. The catch per unit for this migratory seasonal fishery is generally about 10 to 50 times that obtained in the upper zones and the total landings account for about 50 % of the total annual bag-net catch from the whole estuary. The dominant species are Harpodon nehereus, Trichiurus haumela and Trichiurus savala, Sctipinna phasa and Setipinna taty and different species of prawns. Most of the catch is sundried and boat-loads of dried fish are periodically sent to the marketing centres.

Date : 30-12-1975