The FSI has made commendable progress in the survey of demersal fish stocks in the continental shelf.  These areas possess several conventional and non-conventional fish species.  The estimated annual potential yield from the continental shelf is about 1905 thousand tones.  The FSI continues intensive trawl survey in areas where effort is found to be inadequate.

The trawl surveys conducted in the continental slope have revealed availability of several high value demersal stocks like deep sea crustaceans and fin-fishes.  The surveys are in progress to obtain a complete picture of the resources distribution, composition, and stock density in this area.  The annual potential yield of deep sea shrimps and lobsters in 200-500m depth zone is estimated to be about 28,000 t.

While oceanic tuna fishery by distant water fishing nations is flourishing in the Indian Ocean and some of the coastal nations are also increasingly exploiting the tuna stocks.  India is yet to find a place in the tuna map of the Indian Ocean.  The exploratory surveys conducted by the FSI have revealed the occurrence of yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna and billfishes in different regions of the EEZ including the waters around the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep groups of islands.  We have a sound data base on distribution, availability, seasonality and migratory pattern of the large pelagic tuna stocks in the Indian EEZ and limited information on stocks from adjoining high seas.  With the induction of two monofilament longliners during 2005, the survey efforts are further intensified and the FSI has played catalytic role in introducing this new technology of monofilament longlining in the Indian EEZ and promote the export of 'Sashimi' grade tuna to foreign countries by the Indian entrepreneurs.

The coastal pelagic resources like Sardines and Mackerels assume greater importance in the marine sector.  In view of the annual fluctuation in the neritic pelagic stocks, the appraisal of the stocks assumes significance for the management of these resources.  Based on the preliminary surveys conducted for pelagic resources, the potential of pelagic fish resources is estimated as 1,742 thousand tonnes.

Resources Monitoring Survey

Monitoring surveys are important to update our information on the status of different fish stocks, their distribution and density for evolving management measures for sustainable development.  The Institute undertakes monitoring surveys for the stocks in the inner continental shelf areas.  The results of monitoring surveys are used for estimating the annual biomass.

Eco-friendly fishing practices

In order to develop and promote new fishing practices and fishing gear which will not contribute physical and biological degradation of marine ecosystem and to minimize incidence of by-catch, the FSI undertakes experimental fishing using species-specific fishing gears.  Diversified fishing methods like squid jigging, rap fishing, bottom set long lining etc., are practiced and popularized among fishermen in accordance with Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF).

Bio-diversity studies

Over fishing and use of improper and destructive fishing methods changes the relative species abundance of the marine habitat.  Successful fisheries management depends not only on understanding the fish ecosystem and the ecological factors influencing it, but also calls for knowledge of the fauna and flora in an ecosystem and their vulnerability to pollution and other changes in the environment.  Taking into consideration, the need for identifying marine fish diversity and density in the Indian waters, FSI has been collecting base line data on biodiversity of fin fishes, crustaceans and cephalopod resources in the Indian EEZ.

Biological Studies

Biological research is an integral part of the stock assessment studies to understand dynamics of the species.  The information on size, growth, age structure, recruitment pattern etc., of the fish species are essential inputs to provide prognosis on development of their fisheries on commercial scale.  Information on food and feeding habits and prey-predator relationships provide valuable insight to the ecological succession and interactions of co-existing species in the ecosystem.  Information on reproductive biology is essential for evolving conservation and management measures.  The Institute regularly collects biological data on the above aspects and the results of these studies are used for various purposes.