GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FISHERY SURVEY OF INDIA Department of Fisheries
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Exploratory Squid Jigging In India With Notes On Biology Of Squid

PAPER 1. AN ACCOUNT OF EXPLORATORY SQUID JIGGING OFF WEST COAST OF INDIA

K.N.V.NAIR, T.V. NINAN, P.J. JOSEPH AND N.JAGANNADH

Demersal resources surveys carried out by FSI have revealed existence of potential grounds for cephalopods all along the India coast. A diversified fishing method viz., squid jigging was introduced by FSI for exploration of the squid resource. This paper presents the results of squid jigging conducted off the south-west coast by the tuna longliner-cum-squid jigging vessel Matsya Sugundhi during June 1988 to May 1989. Limited squid jigging operations were also attempted on board of a trawler Meena Prapi along the Gujarat coast. Methodology of squidjigging and details of instrumentation are described. The vessel Matsya Sugundhi conducted jigging for neritic squids between lat. 8N and 17N in the depth range 25-200 m and for oceanic squids between lat. 10N-14N in areas beyond 500m depth. Month-wise and area-wise results are discussed. Results of biological studies undertaken in respect of different species of squids viz., Loligo duvauceli, Doryteuthis spp. and Symplectoteuthis spp. are also presented in the paper.

PAPER 2. BIOLOGY OF SQUIDS

K.P.NAIR, M.M. MEIYAPPAN, P.S.KURIAKOSE, P. SARVESAN, A.P.LIPTON, S. MOHAMED, P.K. ASOKAN, M. JOSEPH AND D.NAGARAJA

Biology of squids obtained in squid jigging along the west coast between lat. 8-17N are presented in the paper. The depth of operation was in range of 20-200 m. The squids taken in the jigging survey belong to three genera, viz., Loligo, Doryteuthis and Symplectoteuthis. Studies on size composition, sex ratio, maturation and length-weight relationship of the three genera of squids are discussed. Dorsal mantle length of male Loligo duvaucelli ranged from 50 mm to 310 mm. Females were smaller in length, ranging between 50 mm -230 mm. The length frequency of males indicated the model size as 125 mm and the females showed multimodal or bimodal distribution. The rate of increase in weight in relation to length was found to be different in sexes. In Doryteuthis spp. males had multimodal distribution and females had bimodal distribution with modes in range of 145-156 mm. The male-female ratio was 66:34. In Symplectoteuthis oualaniensis males had a size range of 80-190 mm, and females 80 -250 mm. Squids within the length range of 100-200 mm contributed 99% of the total number. The smallest size of mature male was 90 mm and that of mature female 100 mm. Males outnumbered females with a sex ratio of 36: 64. Further, it is observed that species of above three genus can be attracted by artificial light and be jigged without affecting juvenile population. If the method is found economically feasible, it will be the most ideal fishing method for harvesting of squids.

Paper 1. Observations On The Distribution And Biology Of Indian Drift Fish Ariomma Indica (Day) Along The North-east Coast Of India

P.PAUL PANDIAN AND K.P. PHILIP

Ariomma indica is a neritic deep water fish occurring all along the Indian coast. Exploratory survey by Fishery Survey of India indicated occurrence of this species in 50-150 m depth in east coast and 50-100 m depth in the west coast. The distribution pattern and biology of the stock along the north east coast are presented in this study. The data collected by bottom trawl survey on board the FSI vessel Matsya Darshini during the period 1988-90 are used. The length-weight relationship was estimated separately for males and females. Length frequency distribution indicated a single mode in most of the samples. Sex ratio showed predominance of males. Fecundity was estimated as 66,680 ova per fish. Distribution pattern of the species showed occurrence upto 140 m depth and that 50-100 m depth zone yielded higher catch rates. The highest catch rate was observed in the month of February.

PAPER 2. OBSERVATION ON DEMERSAL RESOURCES SURVEY BETWEEN LAT.7N AND 11N ALONG SOUTH-WEST COAST, WADGE BANK AND GULF OF MANNAR DURING 1988-90

T.V.NINAN, V. SIVAJI, N. JAGANNADH AND L. RAMALINGAM

The results of demersal resources survey between lat. 7N and 11N along the south-west coast, Wadge Bank and Gulf of Mannar by the vessel Matsya Nireekshani during April 1988 to March 1990 are presented in this paper. The survey was conducted following stratified random sampling. The depth range was 30-500 m and total sampling effort was 3080 hours. The variability in catch composition and CPUE with reference to latitudes, depth zones and seasons are discussed. The biomass of the demersal stocks of south-west coast was worked out to be 83,200 tonnes. In the Wadge Bank and Gulf of Mannar the biomass was estimated as 89,200 tonnes and 16,190 tonnes respectively. Estimates of Maximum Sustainable Yield are also given in the paper.

PAPER 3. A STUDY ON THE FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF YELLOWFIN TUNA (THUNNUS ALBACARES) CAUGHT IN ANDAMAN WATERS OF INDIAN EEZ BY TUNA LONGLINING

K.VIJAYAKUMARAN, P.S. PARASURAMAN, S.A. RAJAKUMAR AND G. NAGARAJAN

A study is made on the food and feeding habits of yellowfin tuna obtained in long line gear from Andaman waters. A total of 188 speci mens were examined for gut content analysis. It was observed that the average weight of stomach contents per yellowfin tuna was 106 gm, comprised of 93.43% prey, 3.8% semi-digested food and 2.8% digested matter. The food intake of males was observed to be higher than that of females. Prey consumed per day and per year by one yellowfin tuna was estimated as 507 gm and 185 kg respectively which is composed of deepsea fishes 13.5%, other teleosts 25.4%, cephalopods 30.8% and crustaceans 30.3%.

PAPER 4. STUDIES ON MESH SELECTIVITY OF 27.5 M BOTTOM TRAWL OPERATED BY M.V. MATSYA JEEVAN

T.E.SIVAPRAKASAM, K.VIJAYAKUMARAN, P.S. PARASURAMAN AND S.A. RAJAKUMAR

The results of a study on trawl mesh selectivity by covered codend method are presented in this paper. The study was carried out during July-August 1988 on board the FSI survey vessel Matsya Jeevan engaged in fishery resources survey along Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts. A 27m trawl net with codend of 40 mm mesh size covered by loosely fitted cover of 20 mm mesh size was used for the study. The species studied were Nemipterus japonicus, Saurida tumbil, Decap terus russelli, Secutor insidator, Gerres setifer, Upeneus vittatus, U.sulphureus and Sphyraena obtusata. Selection ogive was obtained for each species by plotting the percentage retention in the codend for each length against the length of fish. The selection factor was determined for all the eight species.

PAPER 5. TUNA RESOURCES, COSTS AND EARNIGS FROM TUNA LONGLINERS

K.VIJAYAKUMARAN, A. ANROSE AND J.E. PRABHAKAR RAJ

Though Indian waters have huge tuna resources, the fishing industry is yet to enter in the field of exploitation, perhaps due to the reason that economic feasibility of such ventures have not been worked out. This paper tries to analyse the economic aspects taking into consideration of capital and variable costs, cost benefit ratio, discounted cash flow and percentage of return. The catch projections are based on the results of tuna longlining by 14 chartered foreign vessels operated in Indian EEZ. The capital and operating costs of a 36.5m longline survey vessel of FSI, with appropriate adjustments, formed the basis of economic analysis. The cost and earning analysis of one vessel for one year showed a cost benefit ratio of 0.683, gross profit ratio of 0.794 and the net profit ratio of 0.285. The project pay out period worked out to be 1.39 years. The Net Present Value is highly positive (+ 6389330) which shows that the project is economically viable.

Marine Fishery Resources Off The Lower East Coast Of India

T.E.SIVAPRAKASAM, P.S.PARASURAMAN, B. PREMCHAND, S.A.RAJKUMAR AND G. NAGARAJAN

The lower east coast of India between lat.8N and 16N has a coastline of about 1340 km and shelf area of about 41,400 sq.km. The results of demersal resources survey carried out by 17.5m vessels in Gulf of Mannar during 1971-80 show that perches were the most import ant resources forming 36% followed by sharks and skates. There were two distinct seasons for fishing viz., January to April and July to October. The demersal resources of Wadge Bank upto 300m depth, surveyed by the vessel Matsya Nireekshani, showed that Perches and file fish (Balistids) formed about 50-60% of the catch upto 100m depth. Deepsea resources including Nemipterus spp. and Priacanthus spp. reach maximum concentration in 100-200m depth. Carangids were available in all depth zones upto 200m and the depth range 100-200m yielded the high catch rate of 175.3 kg/hr. In latitude 12N South of Madras, the catch rate was found to increase steadily with increasing depth reaching highest figure of 267 kg/hr in 200-300m depth. Carangids, silver bellies,mackerel and scad dominated the catch in 0-50m depth. In Lat.15N, 0-50m depth zone was dominated by silver bellies (30.4%) followed by perches and carangids. Pomfret was dominant with 18.6% in the depth range 50-100m followed by ribbon fish and Centrolophus spp. Pria canthus spp. dominated the 100-200m depth zone forming 56.9% of catch. The oceanic resources of Coromandal coast between lat. 10N and 15N upto 200 n.mile EEZ were surveyed by the vessel Matsya Harini by tuna longlining in which, mostly Yellowfin occured in all the areas. Hooking rates showed that the areas surveyed were feasible for further development on tuna fishery.

Marine Fishery Resources Off Orissa-west Bengal Coast

M.E.JOHN, AND D. SUDARSAN

Orissa and West Bengal are among the maritime States which have registered relatively high level of growth rate in marine fish pro duction during VI & VII Plans. These States contributes about 2.95% and 2.86% respectively of marine fish production in the country. Results of fishery resources survey conducted by FSI survey vessels during 1969 to 1987 in Orissa and West Bengal coast are discussed in the paper. The area-wise trawl survey effort, catch composition, CPUE (kg/hr) and estimate of stock of demersal resources are given in tabular form. Total MSY estimated for Orissa coast is 125.6 thousand tonnes comprising of 85.3 thousand tonnes of demersal and 40.3 thousand tonnes of pelagic resources. For West Bengal total MSY is estimated as 119.1 thousand tonnes consisting of 87.8 thousand tonnes of demersal and 31.3 thousand tonnes of pelagic resources. The major stocks available for future exploitation are elasmobranchs, cat fish, sciaenids, mackerel, silver belly,perches, pomfrets, horse mackerel and sardines.

Marine Fishery Resources Potential In The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone - An Update

D.SUDARSAN, M.E. JOHN AND V.S. SOMVANSHI

This Bulletin attempts to provide refined estimates of fishery resources potential in Indian EEZ enabling to develop deepsea fishing and to manage the deepsea fish stocks on a rational basis. The MSY of demersal resources from the continental shelf and slope upto 500m depth is about 1.93 million tonnes, of this, 1.78 million tonnes is expected from within 50m depth contour and 0.65 million tonnes from deeper waters. Coastwise, the potential along west coast including Lakshad weep has been assessed as 1.25 million tonnes from deeper waters. The total potential yield of pelagic resources over the continental shelf is estimated to be 1.74 million tonnes. About 63% of the estimated stocks is on the west coast, 25% on the east coast, 4% in Lakshadweep and 8% in Andaman & Nicobar waters. The pelagic resources in the offshore region beyond 50m depth is mainly formed of coastal tunas, ribbon fishes, horse mackerel and pelagic sharks. These are among the least exploited resources in Indian seas.

Paper 1. Fishery Resources Of The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone With Special Reference To Upper East Coast

D.SUDARSAN AND V.S. SOMVANSHI

This paper deals with recent knowledge gained through survey of demersal, midwater/pelgic and oceanic resources. Nine vessels were deployed for resources survey in the upper east coast. The data collected during 1980-86 have been analysed in respect of each of fishing techniques/methods. Survey operations yielded information on 3 types of resources in the upper east coast. (a) conventional resources (b) conventional resources beyond trawl fishing grounds, that would be exploited from extended depth (c) non-conventional resources available at deeper waters. Purse seine operation results show availability of varied types of pelagic resources. Catch composition includes sciaenids, Decapterus spp., clupeids, mackerels, cat fish, carangids, pomfret and perches.Deeper waters beyond 200m depth gave non-conventional species of fish (Centrolophus niger, Priacanthus spp.) and deepsea prawns belonging to the genus Aristeus, Heterocarpus, and deepsea lobster Puerulus sewelli. The resource picture reveals that varied resources are available in our EEZ, for exploitation through diversified fishing techniques.

PAPER 2. OFFSHORE, DEEPSEA AND OCEANIC FISHERY RESOURCES OFF KERALA COAST

P.SULOCHANAN AND M.E. JOHN

Among the maritime states in India, Kerala occupies foremost position in marine fish production contributing about 23% of the totalfish production in the country. Preliminary investigation of deepsea demersal resources along the coast undertaken by the FSI vessel Matsya Nireekshani shows that standing stock per unit area in the outer self and slope of lat. 8 and 9N were higher than that of inner shelf. Some of the major resource components were Nemipterids (35%) and within 200m, cat fish (22%) from 50-100m zone. Large perches consisting mainly serranids, lutjanids and lethrinids formed 9.17% of catch from the continental shelf. Squids and cuttle fish accounted for 7.5% of demersal catch from the shelf area off Kerala coast. Deepsea prawns and deepsea lobsters reported from Quilon Bank falling in Lat. 8N indicated average catch rate of 14.72 kg/hr. In the Wadge Bank region perches are most prominent in the catch. Nemipterids form the second major group contributing 23.8% followed by rays (10.1%), cephalopods (6.6%) and carangids (5.7%). The survey revealed that pelagic shoals were available mainly within 60m depth.

PAPER 3. INDIAN EEZ - AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEEPSEA FISHING INDUSTRY

D.SUDARSAN AND T.E. SIVAPRAKASAM

The extension of the legal regime of the oceans upto 200 nautical miles marked an important milestone in the socio-economic development of coastal nations. Availability of fish resources based on an assessment of the total biomass, current fish production and net available potential yield, is basic requirement for planning fishery development programmes. The Fishery Survey of India has made promising efforts in the area of experimental and exploratory fishing. Based on the earlier as well as present studies, the paper assesses that at the present rate of exploitation the following number of additional vessels can be introduced in Indian EEZ. About 3000 mechanised boats upto 50m coastal belt, about 1000 deepsea vessels for the exploitation of demersal and pelagic resources in the offshore and deepsea beyond 50m and about 500 vessels including tuna long liners, purse seiner, pole and liners in the oceanic waters.

Further Studies On Tuna Resources In The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone

T.E.SIVAPRAKASAM AND D. SUDARSAN

Paper 1. Tuna Resources Off The South-west Coast Of India As Surveyed During 1986-87

Results of tuna longline survey by the vessel Matsya Sugundhi of FSI during 1986-87 along the south-west coast of India are presented in the paper. The survey covered the EEZ area between Lat.5-15N and Long.69-79E. Altogether 88200 hooks were operated. The average hooking rate for all fish and tunas were 7.69% and 5.64% respectively. Higher hooking rate was apparent in higher latitudes. The hooking rates obtained for each 1 Lat. x 1 Long. square and also for each latitude are presented. Analysis of seasonal variation showed that the hooking rate varied from 1.26% to 15.15% with highest rates in February, April and December. A general increase in catch rate was observed from September to May. Catch composition showed that tunas formed 73.36% of catch (by number) followed by sharks 20.92%, bill fishes 4.98% and other fishes 0.72%. Among tunas, yellowfin tuna formed 98%. The survey confirmed availability of commercial concentrations of tunas and tuna-like fishes off the south-west coast.

PAPER 2. TUNA RESOURCES OFF THE EAST COAST OF INDIA AS REVEALED BY CHARTER OPERATIONS

M.E. JOHN, S.M. PATIL AND V.S.SOMVANSHI

One of the developmental measures adopted by the Government of India to promote deepsea and oceanic fishing in Indian EEZ was to permit Indian entrepreneurs to operate foreign fishing vessels under charter scheme. Results of such chartered longliners engaged in tuna fishing off the east coast of India during 1985-88 are discussed. The vessels were of 41-47m OAL and operated from Madras as the port of call. The voyages were of 3-4 months duration. Altogether 14 voyages were made covering a total of 731 voyage days with 594 fishing days and aggregate fishing effort of 12.5 lakh hooks. Effort per fishing day was 1400-3000 hooks by different vessels. Main area of operation was between Lat.13-18N. The total catch declared was 1098.3 tonnes with an average catch of 1.85 tonnes per fishing day. The major constituents (by weight) were yellowfin tuna 40.2%, marlin 32.4% and sword fish 9.6%. The mean catch rate obtained for all fish and yellowfin tuna were 88 kg/100 hooks and 35.4 kg/100 hooks respectively. The yellowfin tuna hooking rate (by number) worked out to 1.07%. January-April was the main fishing season.

An Appraisal Of The Marine Fishery Resources Of The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone

D.SUDARSAN, T.E.SIVAPRAKASAM, V.S.SOMVANSHI, M.E.JOHN, K.N.V.NAIR AND ANTONY JOSEPH

India is a maritime State with rich endowment of living and non-living resources. The marine fish production has registered a growth rate of 3.5% for number of years and the present production is about 1.8 million tonnes. The continental shelf and slope upto 300m depth is calculated as 4,38,545 sq.km. (excluding Lakshadweep and Andaman &Nicobar islands). The present study on the marine fishery resources is based on the data collected by FSI vessels and attempts to assess the quantum of resources from presently unexploited grounds outside 50m depth upto 300m in the case of demersal resources and upto EEZ boundary in respect of oceanic resources. It is indicated that along the westcoast the stock density was found to be high in the 40-80m depth belt, but a progressive increase in abundance with increase in depth was noticed in lat. 20N and 21N. In certain pockets very high mean densities were obtained from northwest and southwest coasts in the 100-150m and 150-200m depth ranges. A progressive increase in abundance of resources with increase in depth upto 100m depth and declining trend thereafter was observed along the east coast.

Demersal Fishery Resources Of Wadge Bank

K.M.JOSEPH, P.SULOCHANAN, M.E.JOHN, V.S.SOMVANSHI, K.N.V.NAIR AND ANTONY JOSEPH

Demersal resources of Wadge Bank, of which area measures about 3600 sq. miles, was studied during the period between October 1981 - April 1983. The demersal trawler Matsya Nireekshani under took altogether 17 cruises of average 20 days duration operating 669 hauls in the area, expended 1407 hrs. of actual sampling. Analysis of percentage composition reveals that highest percentage of perches is obtained from north-east region, while Nemipterids dominate in south-west, west and eastern regions. Depthwise analysis shows that threadfin bream exhibits a clear trend of higher density with increasing depth upto 128-183m. Cephalopods and carangids showed declining trend with increasing depth. Conspicuous seasonal variation in yield pattern was observed in almost all species. Perches recorded high catch rate during third quarter with maximum yield in August. An exceptionally high catch rate (167.7 kg/hr) was recorded in March 1983 from the south-east region in 183-223m depth suggesting better scope for further exploitation.

Paper 1. Some Observations Of Potential Fishery Resources From The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (Eez)

K.M.JOSEPH

During the exploratory surveys conducted in the deeper waters some of the fish resources were found to have significant scope for commercial exploitation which has been accounted in the paper. Demersal resources like carangids, perches, nemipterids, cat fishes, lizard fishes, lesser sardine, mackerel, squids, cuttle fish and barracuda have scope for commercial exploitation. Non-exploited stocks such as Bulls eye and black ruff form the mainstay of the deepsea resources in the outer continental shelf. Horse mackerel, decapterids, mackerel and lesser sardines offer scope for purse seining/midwater trawling. The hooking rate for yellowfin tuna obtained during thesurvey indicated that the catch rates are reviving in the Indian Ocean and is feasible for commercial exploitation.

PAPER 2. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON TUNA RESOURCES OF THE ARABIAN SEA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF YELLOWFIN TUNA

P.SULOCHANNAN, M.E. JOHN AND K.N.V. NAIR

Some areas within the Indian EEZ are found to be highly productive with encouraging hooking rates for tuna. The catch indices in the area surveyed during the survey period for all tuna together and separately for yellowfin tuna were 1.54% and 1.43% respectively. These figures are considerably higher than that of the hooking rate recorded by Japanese (0.23%), Korean (0.62%) and Taiwanese (0.17%) long liners during late seventies. Present study shows that hooking rate for tuna is between 0.36% and 3.06% which is a positive indication for the feasibility of tuna exploitation from Indian waters.

PAPER 3. KEY TO SPECIES OF FISHES OBTAINED IN THE TRAWL CATCHES OF VISAKHAPATNAM

D.SUDARSAN

Perceiving the importance of correct identification of fish specimens, this paper presents a dichotomous key to a total of 273 species belonging to 166 genera from 81 families known to occur in the trawl catches of Visakhapatnam. The study has taken note of the numerous taxonomic revisions in recent years resulting in many nomenclatural changes.