Diversity of fishing gears and crafts used for harvesting the Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh coast

Abstract

Though Asian Seabass, which is locally known as "Koral"/"Vetki," is a vital species in terms of its popularity and price, little is known about the location of breeding and nursery ground, peak breeding season, peak harvesting season, population dynamics, harvesting operation (gears and crafts used for harvesting) of this species in Bangladesh. An investigation was carried out to enlist the group of crafts and gears that are being operated on the Bay of Bengal coast by the fishermen for Asian seabass harvesting. The survey was based on interviews with the local fishermen and secondary data collected from the regional fisheries offices. The study revealed a total of 10 distinguishing fishing gears, including seven nets and two types of hook and lines were used for harvesting this fish. Some are selective for harvesting Seabass, but most of them are involved in multi-species exploitation. Four types of motorized and two types of non-motorized traditional boats are being used for harvesting the seabass in Bangladesh. The seabass fishery extends almost throughout the year at different life stages. The Koral net, Mela Barshi (Single Hook and line), and Push net were found to be effective for catching adult, pre-adult, and juvenile Asian seabasses, respectively. The Sampan boat and Mela barshi were reported for the first time as fishing boats and fishing gear in Bangladesh.