Fish Landing Centre Research Articles

Age structure of carp and catfish catch as a tool to assess ecological health of fished stocks from the Ganga River system with special reference to Mahseer Tor tor (Hamilton, 1822)

In the 20th centuary, the economically important carp species Labeo rohita, Tor tor, & Labeo calbasu and the catfishes Rita rita & Bagarius bagarius contributed substantially to the total fish catch from the Ganga River system in India. Samples were recorded between December 2003 and June 2004 from fish landing centers in the Ken, Paisuni, and Tons rivers for L. rohita, T. tor and L. calbasu. Rita rita and B. bagarius were sampled between September 2001 and September 2003 in the Ganga River system. The data were used to evaluate the growth and age structures of fish populations. Age classes varied 0+–5+ for L. rohita in the Ken & Paisuni rivers and 0+–8+ in the Tons River. For T. tor, the age classes varied 1+–6+ in the Ken & Paisuni rivers and 1+–8+ in the Tons. Age classes of L. calbasu varied 1+–6+ in the Ken River, 1+–5+ in the Paisuni River, and 1+–7+ in the Tons. In the Ganga River, age classes of R. rita & B. bagarius varied 0+–7+ and 0+–6+, respectively. The L. rohita, age pyramid showed a tendency for bell shape in Ken River, base tends to be broader through bell shape in Paisuni River, and bell-shaped age pyramid was slightly distorted in Tons River. In case of T. tor, tendency for bell shape in Ken River and bell-shaped age pyramid in Paisun River & Tons River were obtained. In case of L. calbasu, heavy bottom shaped age pyramid was recorded in Ken and Paisuni rivers, while base tends to be broader in the Tons River. Bell shaped age pyramid was recorded for B. bagarius in the Ganga River while heavy bottom shape for R. rita in the Ganga River. Overall, T. tor is facing heavy fishing pressure and also targeted fish species by fishermen from the Ganga River system.

Seasonal Variation of Heavy Metals in the Bivalves of a Major Fish Landing Centre in Mumbai

One of the most prevalent environmental contaminants found in aquatic ecosystems and its associated biota is considered to be heavy metals. The current study evaluated the heavy metal concentrations of Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Lead (Pd) in the soft tissues of M.casta and Paphia malabarica species seasonally for one year. The soft tissue of the two species were digested using a microwave digestion system (CEM-MARS-5) using nitric acid and perchloric acid. Evaluation of Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Fe, and Zn was done using ICP-OES while for estimation of Pd, Cd and As, ICP-MS was used. During the study, Fe, Mn and Zn content dominated the whole soft tissues of both species. The findings demonstrated that the pre-monsoon season had higher amounts of the most examined heavy metals, whereas the monsoon season had the lowest quantities of these metals in the soft tissues of both species.

Discovery of a ribbon goby, Oxymetopon compressus (Actinopterygii: Gobiiformes: Microdesmidae) in Indian waters: A new westernmost record for the genus Oxymetopon

In October 2023, a single specimen of Oxymetopon compressus Chan, 1966 was retrieved from a discarded catch at the Mudasal Odai fish landing center on the southeast coast of India. This study marks the first record of the genus Oxymetopon in Indian waters, accompanied by a novel maximum length record. Oxymetopon compressus, closely resembles its congener, Oxymetopon formosum Fourmanoir, 1967 in having low supraorbital crest and head markings, but differs in having relatively a higher number of anal fin rays, 29 (vs. 27 in O. formosum). The anal fin count of O. compressus (29) is found higher than the Oxymetopon curticauda Prokofiev, 2016 (21–23) and Oxymetopon filamentosum Fourmanoir, 1967 (26), whereas it is found lower than the Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz et Condé, 1981 and Oxymetopon typus Bleeker, 1861 (31). This study describes the distinctive morphological and coloration patterns of the recorded species.

Assessment of Carapace Dimensions, Condition Factor and Sex Ratio of Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758), Along the Mangaluru Coast, Karnataka, India

The research examined the correlations between width-weight and length-width relationships in Portunus pelagicus along the Mangaluru coast in Karnataka, India. A total of 607 specimens were collected fortnightly from the Mangaluru fish landing centre from January to December 2022, of which 327 were males and 280 were females. The relationship between weight and carapace width for both sexes was determined as y = 2.8661x - 1.0413, with an R-squared value of 0.7252. Conversely, the relationship between carapace length and weight for both sexes yielded the equation y = 2.9571x - 0.1628, with an R-squared value of 0.7449. By using the Chi-square analyses, the male and female ratio was compared. The sex ratio of P. pelagicus was found to be 1:0.88 (Male: Female), showing no significant deviation from the anticipated ratio of 1:1. The condition factor varied between 0.9933 to 1.0427 for males and 1.0047 to 1.0658 for females, exhibiting a range in physiological status across the sexes.

Two new species of the congrid eel genus Ariosoma (Anguilliformes, Congridae, Bathymyrinae) from Indian waters

Two new species have been described from Indian waters, based on the materials collected from Kochi coast, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and West Bengal coast along the Bay of Bengal. Ariosoma gracilesp. nov. is described, based on five specimens collected from the landings at Kalamukku Fishing Harbour, Arabian Sea. The new species is characterised by longer tail, 55.3–58.7% TL; dorsal-fin origin above pectoral-fin base; no dark or whitish bands on dorsal surface of head, ventral extremities of lower jaw and mid-portion with minute dark pigmentation patch; anus positioned well before the middle of total length; SO canal with 4 pores; 0 or 3 pores on ST canal; pre-dorsal vertebrae 9; pre-anal vertebrae 49–54; total vertebrae 140–142. Ariosoma gracilesp. nov. is closely related to Ariosoma dolichopterum and Ariosoma emmae by sharing similar morphometrics and pre-anal vertebral counts. However, it differs by having more total pores (132–135 vs. 121–129 in A. dolichopterum, 123–126 in A. emmae); fewer pre-anal pores (43–46 vs. 47–51 in A. dolichopterum, 50–53 in A. emmae); more pre-dorsal pores (9 vs. 5–9 in A. dolichopterum, 4–6 in A. emmae). Another new species, Ariosoma kannanisp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens (157–171 mm TL) from Gulf of Mannar and one specimen (201 mm TL) collected from Shankarpur Fish Landing Centre, West Bengal. This species is similar to Ariosoma megalops, but readily differs by having smaller eyes, smaller interorbital distance and exhibits 10.8% genetic divergence from A. megalops from the Taiwan waters.

Additional report and taxonomic description of Paranibea semiluctuosa, Half-mourning croaker (Cuvier, 1830) from Umargaon fish landing center, southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Additional report and taxonomic description of Paranibea semiluctuosa, Half-mourning croaker (Cuvier, 1830) from Umargaon fish landing center, southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Indigenous craft and gears used for crab fishery in Cochin estuary, Kerala, southwest coast of India

This paper presents an overview of fishing gears and crafts operated for crab fishery in the Cochin estuary. A survey was made in selected areas of the Cochin estuary to study the design and operational details of indigenous craft and gears used in crab fishing. Primary data on crab fishery were collected from fish landing centers and fishing villages through a structured questionnaire. Crab gillnets and ring nets are the dominant artisanal gear supporting crab fishery throughout the study area. Long lines were one of the widely deployed fishing gears for the crab fishery, which is now operational only in limited areas of the Cochin estuary. Incidental catch of crabs is also noted in the stake net and Chinese dip net. The wounding gears and traditional fishing techniques, viz., vazhuka method and midrib trap, are not deployed in commercial crab fishery as they result in low-value realization. The survey discloses that ring net and crab gillnet accounted for 98% of the crab landing along the Cochin estuary. Scylla serrata and Scylla olivacea are the essential species contributing to inland crab fishery along the study area. Wooden canoes belonging to 3 to 7 m in length overall (LOA) are employed for crab fishing. Migrant fishermen use Coracles and the FRP canoes for crab gill net operations along the stretches of the backwaters.

A new snake eel species of the genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal, with the taxonomic account of Ophichthus chilkensis.

A new species of the ophichthid eel of the family Ophichthidae is described based on five specimens collected from the Mudasalodai fish landing center, off Cuddalore coast, southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Ophichthus naevius sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique color pattern: dorsal body with numerous dense dark spots or patches, ventral body pale yellowish green, dorsal-fin origin just before pectoral-fin tip, vertebral formula: 12-14/52-53/134-138, and teeth on jaw uniserial and pointed. The study also reports the range extension and molecular evidence of Ophichthus chilkensis from South India. Molecular analyses were performed for both species, and their phylogenetic relationship suggests that the new species exhibits 10.2% genetic divergence with its congener Ophichthus sangjuensis, followed by Ophichthus brevicaudatus (10.4%), and Ophichthus sp. 1 (11.8%) also forms the closest clade in both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) tree. Similarly, according to the topology of the ML tree, the species O. chilkensis forms a clade with Ophichthus sp. 5, Ophichthus remiger, Ophichthus frontalis, Ophichthus sp. 6, and Ophichthus rex, suggesting that it would be the genetically closest congener.

Morphological Deformities in Stingrays (Dasyatidae) from the Rameswaram Island, South India

The present study reports the deformities in two different species of stingrays Maculabatis bineeshi and Neotrygon kuhlii along the Rameswaram Island. The structural deformity was observed in M. bineeshi species that were collected from Pamban–Therkuvadi fish landing centre, which was the first to be recorded along the Indian coasts with rostral irregularity of the aperture from the anterior margin of the snout around the right margin of the disc from the first gill opening. In addition to the first record, vertebral column deformity was observed in N. kuhlii, which was collected from Kunthukal fish landing centre. The external morphological characteristics showed a curved tail that had vertebral column deformities with severe scoliosis–kyphosis–lordosis starting from the pectoral girdle to the tail region

Fish Catch Survey and Analysis – An online application for deriving measures and indicators for fish stock assessment

As fish are a natural resource, it is important to balance their use and protection. To comprehend the status of fisheries and to keep sustainable harvest levels to prevent the fish population from declining over time, reliable data on both recent and historical catches are crucial. The monitoring and assessment of marine fishery resources have been the primary mandate of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR-CMFRI) since its inception in 1947. Accurate and consistent knowledge about how a fishery is doing, as well as what species and how many are being captured and where they are captured, requires precise data collection, fast and advanced reporting, processing and analysis, and efficient mechanisms to disseminate the results to enable near real-time assessment. Stratified multistage random sampling design (SMRSD), a unique and robust system developed by the institute for the estimation of fish catch and effort over a long period used multiple computer programs built in-house for processing data. The area covering the 1269 fish landing centres along the 6,068-km coastline of India is spatially stratified, with each maritime state divided into suitable nonoverlapping zones based on fishing intensity and geographical considerations. In order to collect data on a real-time basis from the fish landing centres using electronic devices and process it, ICAR-CMFRI developed a web based application software called Fish Catch Survey and Analysis. It is a user-friendly interface with a variety of data entry options, and a suite of analysis tools. It includes species-wise, gear-wise and catch-per-unit-effort analysis also. Researchers and decision-makers can develop appropriate measures and indicators for fish stock assessment using FCSA.

Can public credit programs improve artisanal fisher performance? The case of FONDEPES a credit program

In this study, we show the effects of the FONDEPES credit program - a government public credit program- focused only on artisanal fishers – on profits, associativity, fish landing centers (DPA), sales destinations, and employment. We take advantage of the program’s selection mechanism and the National Artisanal Maritime Census data 2012 to apply a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology. The results show that receiving the credit from the program improves the profits, associativity, and sales destination. Additionally, the results are robust under different matching types, covariate balance, inverse-probability-weighted (IPW), and non-observable tests. Overall, the evidence found in this analysis suggests that the FONDEPES credit program can help artisanal fishers improve their performance. However, there are differences between the outcomes of fishermen and ship-owners, the latter being the largest. It is recommended to focus on the group of fishermen by government entities to provide training and assistance in administrative issues to leap productivity to become a ship-owner. Exploring other credit products that replace the dependence on financing from intermediaries is recommended in ship-owners' cases.

Post-Catch Handling Affects the Quality of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)

Skipjack tuna is a fishery product that has important economic value and high nutritional value but is easily damaged and rotten. This study aims to determine the post-catch handling of skipjack tuna, from onboard to the fish landing site. This research was an experimental study with quality test parameters including pH value, sensory analysis, and temperature for 12 hrs from the time on the board until the fish landing centre. The results showed that the post-capture handling of skipjack tuna with the 1:1 and 1:2 cooling methods was on the same good freshness level. Treatment methods ice and fish with a ratio of 1:1 was better than ice and fish with a ratio of 1:2 based on pH value, sensory analysis, and temperature.

Occurrence and characteristics of fibreglass-reinforced plastics and microplastics on a beach impacted by abandoned fishing boats: A case study from Chellanam, India

Plastics and microplastics have been quantified and characterised at disposal sites of abandoned fishing boats and along the high-water line (HWL) of a fish landing centre in Chellanam, India. Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) made a greater contribution to the plastic pool at the disposal sites (~ 4.5 n m−2 and 18 g m−2) than the HWL (~ 0.25 n m−2 and < 1 g m−2) and was an abundant component of the microplastic pool at the former. Infrared analysis of micro-sized FRPs revealed various resins (e.g., alkyd, polyester, epoxy), while X-ray fluorescence analysis of the painted surfaces of meso-sized FRPs returned variable concentrations of copper and lead. Concentrations of Pb were high enough to contaminate sand up to ~400 mg kg−1. The relatively high density of FRP and its association with glass fibres and metal-bearing paints results in particles with potentially very different fates and toxicities to more “conventional” (non-composite) thermoplastics.

Genetic characterization of fish, Cynoglossus lingua Hamilton, 1822 found in Chandipur Coast of Odisha using COI and Cytochrome b genes

Aim: In this study we characterized the fish Cynoglossus lingua collected from Chandipur Coast of Odisha using the mtDNA markers cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt-b) genes. Methodology: Samples of flat fish were collected from Balaramgadi fish landing center, Chandipur sea beach, Odisha coast. The collected specimens were initially identified based on the morphology using standard taxonomic keys. Molecular characterization was accomplished through PCR amplification of COI and Cyt-b genes. The sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis and aligned using Clustal W for homology mapping. Phylogenetic status was inferred by the neighbor-joining method using MEGA v7.0. Results: The taxonomic keys and the COI and Cyt-b gene sequences identified the specimens as C. lingua. The COI and Cyt-b gene sequences showed 98% and 99% sequence similarity with C. lingua isolate FMU.CIFRI.FF-7 COI gene (GenBank accession: MN889532.1) and the C. lingua isolate FM.CIFRI.CYTB.FF-7 Cyt-b gene (GenBank accession MT362541.1), respectively. Interpretation: The study supports the reliability of combining classical taxonomic approaches with molecular analysis using COI and Cyt-b genes for the identification of C. lingua. Key words: Cynoglossus lingua, COI gene, Cytochrome b gene, DNA barcoding, Molecular taxonomy

A new short brown unpatterned moray eel (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensissp. nov., a new species of short brown unpatterned moray, is described, based on four specimens ranging from 272–487 mm total length collected from the trawl bycatch landings at Mudasalodai fish landing centre, off Cuddalore coast, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: origin of dorsal fin at middle of rictus and gill opening, anus just before mid-body, series of lines of small dark spots present on head and a single line of black spot-on mid-line of body, jaw pores with white rim, anal-fin margin whitish, 3 pre-dorsal vertebrae, 56–59 pre-anal vertebrae and 139–150 total vertebrae. The new species differs from its known Indian water congeners by having series of lines of small dark spots present on the head and a single line of black spots on the mid-line of the body (vs. absent in all the three congeners in India), serrated teeth (vs. smooth), jaw pores with white rim (vs. black to brown in others) and higher vertebral count (139–150 vs. 134–138 in others). Our morphological and molecular analyses show that the new species forms a distinct clade from its congeners and these data support the status as a new species.

INADEQUACY IN FISHERIES INFRASTRUCTURE: A MAJOR OBSTACLE IN ACCRUING THE BENEFIT OF BLUE ECONOMY

Fisheries sector is expected to be a major contributor in the blue economy of Pakistan, however, development in this sector is hampered by major inadequacy in the required infrastructure. There are about 70 major and minor fish landing centers along the coast of Pakistan, however, fish harbors are established at 3 sites in Sindh and 2 sites in Balochistan. In addition, 14 floating jetties have been established in the creek system of Indus Delta whereas one floating jetty was established along Balochistan coast. In almost all cases, fish landing centers have been established without proper planning and taking into consideration the requirement of the fishermen of the area. Karachi Fish Harbour being the biggest landing center is marred with massive congestion, cul-de-sac turning basin which is highly polluted and prevalence of extreme unhygienic condition. Gwadar Fish Harbor and Miniport and landing centers at Pushukan, Jiwani, Damb and Gaddani are improperly designed, therefore, either non-operational or inadequately utilized. Pasni Fish Harbour, because of negligence got heavily silted. Korangi Fish Harbour, although constructed about 30 years back but still could not put into operation because of inadequate facilities and commitment. In almost all cases, fish harbours established in Pakistan are not designed to cope with the development need of blue economy. Additionally other infrastructure such a coastal road and link roads (“farm to market” roads) are also not appropriate for increasing pressure expected of blue economy. The paper will describe major shortcomings in the fisheries infrastructure in Pakistan.

First record of the Great Seahorse Hippocampus kelloggi Jordan &amp; Snyder, 1901 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) from the northwestern coast of Bay of Bengal

This study reports the first occurrence of the Great Seahorse Hippocampus kelloggi from the state of Odisha in the eastern coast (Bay of Bengal) of India. The seahorse was captured in a ring net during daily fishing activities. The sample was collected from the Ariyapalli fish landing center and identification was carried out based on the morphometric features of the specimen and the seahorse identification guide. The total length of the juvenile seahorse was 12.5 cm (with a tail length of 6.6 cm (52.8%), trunk length of 3.4 cm (27.2%) and head length of 2.5 cm (20%)). The length of the snout was 1 cm. There were 38 tail rings followed by 11 rings on the trunk of the animal. Both eye and cheek spines were present. Northward migration (~1,300 km) of this species can be a response of extensive fishing activities around the southern coast of India. This calls for increased monitoring of the coast coastal ecosystems of India on the east coast for better conservation and management of the remaining seahorse populations.

Analysis of trawl-net operation and major fish landings at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Trawl-net is an important fishing gear in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs) India since three decades with minimum number(n=10) of boats meeting the daily fish consumption of Islanders with minimum costs. A study was carried out between 2014 to 2018 to investigate the major fish landings of Trawl-net in the ANIs coast. The trawl-net landing is occurring only from Junglighat fish landing centre(FLC) which is having loading and unloading facilities in ANIs. The total number of FLC visits, fishing-trips, operations and fish-landing of trawl-net recorded during this period were 692(n), 533(n), 7561(n) and 691(tonnes) respectively. The maximum fishing-trips(149) and fishing-operations(2086) occurred during the year 2018 and minimum of same (87 and 1218) occurred during 2015. Similarly, the maximum(170.51tonnes) and minimum (109.33 tonnes) of fish landings were observed during the year 2014 and 2015 respectively with an average of 138.21±10.54tonnes/year. The contribution of trawl-net landing amongst other gears was 17.8% including fin-fishes(598.7tonnes) and shell-fishes(115.34tonnes) during the study period. The trawl-net operation was occurring at very few fishing grounds(n=14) in ANIs and the maximum fish catch occurred in the Coast of Havelock Island (26.7%). Totally 52 genera of fishes were recorded in trawl-net landings under 37 families in which Leiognathidae was found more dominant(21.38%). Altogether 21 Trawl-net validations were conducted at each PFZ and Non- PFZ during the period. The fishes captured at PFZ 3288kg with an average of 156.6±13.5 kg/operation and at Non-PFZ 1237kg with an average of 58.9±5.3kg/operation. The minimum range of fish cost in the market was maintaining in this Island due to the trawl-net landings, in-spite of there was controversy of non-selective fish catch and by-catch in trawl-net fishing.

Biological observations and new maximum reported sizes for two threatened rays: ornate eagle ray Aetomylaeus vespertilio and mangrove whipray Urogymnus granulatus from the Gulf of Mannar, India

Abstract Record-sized specimens of the ornate eagle ray Aetomylaeus vespertilio and mangrove whipray Urogymnus granulatus were caught by single-day trawlers off Pamban Island in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India during 2021 and 2022. All were landed at the Pamban Therkuvadi Fish Landing Centre (FLC). The largest ornate eagle ray was 384 cm disc width (DW) and weighed 530 kg, setting a new global record for the species, as the previous maximum size was reported to be 300 cm DW. This specimen was landed on 19 July 2021. Another large specimen of this species (360 cm DW and total weight of 453 kg) was caught and landed on 12 August 2022. The landed mangrove whipray was 153 cm DW and 150 kg total weight, larger than the previously reported maximum size of 141 cm DW. The morphometrics, stomach contents and reproductive state were studied. One of the eagle rays was a pregnant female with three full-term embryos in the uterus, while the whipray was a spent female. The main prey species in the stomach of eagle ray was big-eye scad Selar crumenophthalmus. The mangrove whipray had fed on a range of fish (pigface bream, goatfish, silverbellies, silverbiddies and lesser sardine) and octopus.

Status of fish diversity and fishing gears in the fishery of Nanthikadal Lagoon, Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka

<p class="Default">The Northern coast of Sri Lanka is home to a larger number of lagoons, totalling up to 804 km². Nanthikadal lagoon is a significant lagoon that exists in the coastal zone of the Mullaitivu District between 9° 17’ N and 80° 48’E. Species occurrences and their types are good indicators to express the health status of the lagoon ecosystem. The present investigation was carried out for the first time to record the finfish and shellfish diversity, diversity indices and the fishing gears used to capture these fishes in the Nanthikadal lagoon by collecting monthly samples from the fish landing centres from September 2017 to August 2019. Collected species were identified using FAO species identification field guide. During the field survey, the number of organisms caught from all species were also counted. Diversity indices such as Dominance, Simpson, Shannon and Evenness were calculated by using PAST software. Fish numbers were graphically compared through cluster analysis by Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA). Fishing gears used and details on mesh size of nets were collected by using questionnaire and face to face interview with the fishermen. Seventeen finfish and five shellfish species belonging to seventeen families were identified during the study period. <em>Tilapia mossambica </em>made the highest percentage contribution (29.34%). The minimum contribution was reported by species such as <em>Portunus pelagicus</em>, <em>Scylla serrata</em>, <em>Scatophagus argus</em>, <em>Lutjanus johnii</em>, <em>Tricanthus biaculeatus </em>and <em>Chanos chanos </em>(&lt;1%). The highest and lowest abundance was found in post-monsoon and pre-monsoon periods respectively. Simpson index and Shannon index were high in the monsoon season. <em>Strongylura strongylura </em>and <em>Gerres abbreviates </em>showed a close relationship based on month-wise cluster analysis. Cast net was the most commonly used, and legal fishing gear. Part-time fishermen actively participated in shrimp capturing from brackish water. In the present study, the important components of the lagoon fishery such as fish and usage of fishing gears were analyzed to determine the present status of Nanthikadal lagoon fishery. These findings will be helpful for stakeholders in this region for sustainable fishery management and ultimately supporting the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development by providing required fundamental information to develop a lagoon management plan in the future.