.

~
"\
~
Recent Observations on Marine Fisheries Resources
of Lakshadweep

P.S.B.R. JAMES study the resources and their potentials in a systematic

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, manner. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Cochin - 682 031 , (CMFRJ) established a Research Centre at Minicoy in 1958
Kerala. and since then carried out extensive studies on the biology
of tunas, live-bait fishes, coral reefs and fishery oceano-
graphy. A historical resume of the marine lisheries
JAMES, P.s.BR. 1988. Recent observations on marine fisheries resources of research in Lakshadweep has been given by James et al.
Lakshadweep. In: M. Mohan Joseph (Ed.) The first Indian Fisheries
1986.
Forum. Proceedings. Asian Fisheries Society. Indian Branch,
Mangalore. pp. 191 - 197.
The Lakshadweep group of islands lying between Lat 8°
- 12° 13'N and Long. 71 ° - 74°E consists of 10 inhabited
islands and 17 uninhabited islets with a total area of 28.5
Abstract sq. kIn and around them is water spread of 73 million sq.
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep has recently been in the limelight
kIn. (Fig. I). The inhabited islands are Agatti, Amini,
due to the special interest shown by the Government of India for overall Androth, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan
development including fisheries. The research activities carried out since and Minicoy. Except Androth all islands have a lagoon
1958 at Minicay by CMFRI resulted in gathering of wealth 01 information which abounds in wide variety of flora and fauna. The vast
on marine fisheries and environmental features. A recent sUlVey
stretches of waters around the island are rich in tunas and
conducted by the Institute made an overall assessment of the various
types of fishery resources, their potential and the impact of environmental
other food fishes. Tunas, exploited by pole and line fishing
damage on the ecosystems. using live-baits, and the associated masmin trade formed
The skipjack and yellowfin tunas caught in pole and line formed the the mainstay of the economy of the islands. Two species of
mainstay of economy of the islanders. The catch increased from 571 t in sprats are the most sought after live-baits.
1970 to 5000 t at present. Agatti and Bitra accounted for nearly 60% of the Recently the CMFRI conducted an indicative survey
total tuna catch. The demand for live-baits, essential for pole and line
fishing has also increased. The two species of sprats are the most sought
which indicated good resource potential for tunas and
after live bait. The environmental damage, both natural and otherwise. has food fishes. A variety 01 ornamental fishes observed offer
affected their availability in some islands. potential for export market The crustacean resources have
The lagoons and the surrounding sea abounds in a variety of food fishes been found to be meagre. A number of echinoderms occur
like goatfishes, silver biddies, perches. barracudas, carangids, seerfishes, and some of them are considered to be good for Beche-
sharks, rays, etc. Fairly good resources of marine ornamental fishes were
observed in various islands indicating potential for export market. The
de-mer industry. Molluscan shells of ornamental value are
crustacean resources are meagre. A variety of echinoderms occur and exploited in some of the islands. The octopus fished by the
some of them are considered to be good for Beche-de-mer industry. The fis hermen in all islands affords a sustenance fishery.
Octopus, fished by the fishermen in all islands affords a sustenance Though the seaweeds are also present, their occurrence,
fishery. A variety of mulluscan shells of ornamental value are also
abundance and the exploitable quantity vary in different
exploited.
Though a variety of seaweeds are present, their occurrence, abundance
islands. The corals and coral reefs are integral part of the
and the exploitable quantity vary in different islands. The corals and coral islands. Due to human interference and natural causes, they
reefs are integral part of the islands. They are partially devastated in some are particularly devastated in some islands causing not
islands due to human interference or natural causes causing not only sea only sea erosion but upsetting the ecosystem. The scope
erosion but upsetting the ecosystems with far reaching effects on fisheries
for mariculture as well as the possibilities of establishing
resources.
The scope for mariculture as well as the possibilities of establishing
marine parks are indicated. The need for conservation and
marine parks are indicated. The prospects for further development of prospects for further development of fisheries in
fisheries in Lakshadweep are discussed. Lakshadweep are discussed.

Introdnction Marine fisheries resources

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep has recently been The marine fisheries resources of Lakshadweep
in the lime-light due to the special interest shown by the comprise the oceanic resources such as tunas, bill fishes,
Government of India for overall development including pelagic sharks etc., and other groups of food fishes, the bait
fisheries. The interest in development of the living fishes and ornamenta! fishes inhabiting the reefs and
resources of this island territories has revived the efforts to numerous lagoons playa vital role in the economy of the

191
192

islands. The total marine fish catches in the islands have concentrate known as Riha akuru. The sale of masmin from
risen from 2931 tin 1975 to 5794 tin 1984-85. The annual the islands earns more than Rs.150 lakhs annually. About .}
marine fish production during the last few years (1975 to kg of body weight of tuna (4-5 kg ) are discarded as
1985-86) is given in Table 1. The average for the said waste at Agatti and Bitra in the indigenous processing.
period showed that tunas formed 70.6% followed by Conversion of the waste into fish meal or ensilage
elasmobranchs (7.7"0) and perches (6.0%). Average would be beneficial (James et al. 1987 a). In addition,
landings of major groups of fishes and their respective the wastes could be profitably used as bait for shark
percentage contribution is given in Fig. 2. fishing which is expected to develo p as an important
resou rce in the region . In view of the economical
Tuna resources returns , qual ity improvement and steady market for
masmin chiefly in the main land of India, and export
The skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) a~d yellowfin should be explored and developed. (James and Pillai
constitute the major tuna resources in the oceanic waters 1987). At Minicoy about 70 tonnes of tunas are canned
of Lakshadweep and are exploited by the pole and line annually and there exists scope for tuna canneries
units using live-baits. This method has been in vogue since especially in Agatti.
long at Minicoy and has now been adopted in other islands. The skipjack tuna resources of this area is estimated
The progressive mechanisation has resulted in ir.creased to be 50 ,000 t (Geo rge et al. 1977). There also exists an
catch. The total catch of tunas increased from 571 tin 1970 equal quantity of sub-surface tunas. Recently, the
to 4,842 t in 1984-85. The studies conducted at Minicoy present trend , constraints and strategies for future
indicated that the catch per standard effort was high during development of small scale pole and line fishery have
the period 1970-80 (514 kg) and in subsequent years been critically reviewed by James et al. (1987 b). Lack
fluctuated between 242 to 334 kg (James and Pillai. 1987). of boats and trained fishermen, steady supply of
The landings of tunas at Agatti, Kavaratti, Minicoy, live-baits, navigtional aids, camping facilities, cold
Androth and Bitra respectively were 2570, 797, 503, 2(]2 and storages , fuel and fresh water supply are some of the
182 t during 1984-85 (Anon, 1986). fn the other islands the main constraints. Silas and Pillai (1986) and James and
total production ranged from 55 to 132 tonnes. Varghese Pillai (1987) suggested that introduction of 100 units
and Shanmugham (1987) has indicated that Agatti, Minicoy (large pole and line vessels - OAL 15-20 m) would
and Bitra contributed to 63.4%, 27.3% and 9.3% to the tuna enhance the production of yellowfin and skipjack to
catch. Areas like Agatti , Bitra. Suheli , Perumul par, the tune of 10,000 t by 2000 AD. Each boat may
Valiyapani, Cheriapani , Kadmat and Kalpeni showed high require 500-800 kg of live-baits.
concentration of skipjack shoals. Presently there are 55 Introduction of purse seines has been suggested by
pole and line units in Agatti. The catch at Agatti has Silas and Pillai ( 1986) and James and Pillai (1987).
increased from 179 tonnes in 1971 to a record catch of Large purse seiners (10-12 Nos) with annual
2054 tonnes in 1984. Though the (IE were low during the production capacity of 6,000 t and 20 small purse
earlier years, it increased considerably and is now around seiners each with annual production capacity of 4,000
600 kg. The CIE as high as 1091 kg was recorded in 1984. tonnes would lead to a production of 150,000 t of
The percapita income in the island from fishing is around tunas. About 150 longliners with an annual production
Rs. 3000 -. capacity of 450 tonnes would be required for obtaining
The survey conducted by the Institute recently indicated a production of 60-75 thousand tonnes of tunas in the
tuna fishing around Amini , Kadmat, Kiltan and Chetlat but EEZ of India as a whole. The Lakshadweep by virtue of
was poor except around Kadmat. Paucity of live-baits may its strategic position could be used as a reconnoitering
be one of the reasons for poor tuna fishing. The author base and a springboard for greater expansion of our
made an on the spot study of the pole and line fishing at fishing range with future developmental programmes
Agatti. The tuna shoal had a radius of 200 m. The hooking (Jones, 1986).
rate was found to be poor. Examination of the gut content
of the fishes caught showed that the stomachs were full Live bait resources
(90%) of the carridean shrimp (Leptochela robusta). The
factors that determine the variations in the hoo king rate, Pole and line fishing essentially depends on adequate
whether it be the presence or abse nce of forage fishes in supplies of live-baits. Live baits for pole and line fishery
water at the time when fishermen supply the live-bait or have been described by Jones ( 1958), Silas and Pillai
the condition of feed at the time of fishing or even (1982). Biology of some of the live-bait fishes has been
environmental , need detailed study (James et al. 1987 a). described by Mohan and Kunhikoya (1986). Exploited and
The masmin is the major product of Lakshadweep. The potential resources of live bait fishes of Lakshadweep have
production ranges from 35-100 tonnes of 'mas' in each of been described by Pillai et al. 1986. Recent observations
the major islands. The local people prepare a kind of have indicated that there are resident and migrant forms.
 193

The chief resident forms are Chromis caeruJeus, C. et ai. 1987 a). It will be difficult at present to arrive at the
nigrurus, SprateJJoides deJicatuJus, S. graciJis, and stocks of these fishes; but information available so far
representatives of caesionids. There are no pole and line indicated no decline in the stocks of these fishes.
fishing in Kadmat and Kalpeni though exploitable tuna Collection, acclimatisation and transportation of live fishes
live-bait resources belonging to sprats, apogonids, for domestic and export market are receiving attention.
caesionids and pomacentrids are located. Initiation and Some trials of transport on board vessels and by air as well
expansion of pole and line fishery in these islands for as their maintenance with or without coral associates need
utilising unexploited resources of live-baits are suitable to be done. Trials have already been initiated at Mimcoy in
proposition to the policy planners and administrators this direction in respect of species like Cbromis caeruJeus,
involved in the development of tuna fishing. Paucity of Iive- DascyJJus aruanus, Archamia fucata and Caesio
baits is the major constraint in Ammini and Kiltan. At caeruJaureus.
Agatti, Bangaram, Tinnakara, Parli and Bitra over a dozen
Coral and coral reefs
species were observed. At Kavaratti, about 30-45 kg of bait
fishes were caught per day in March 1987 by 9 boats/units. The status of coral reefs in Lakshadweep has been
At Suheli Par the quantity was higher (70-80 kg/day). described by PilIai (1986). So far the studies have been
Kaipeni has moderate abundance of bait fishes. In all these centered around Minicoy. The northern part of
three islands, S. deJicatuJus was the most common species. Lakshadweep stilI remains to be least studied. The
At Minicoy S. japonicus and Dipterygonotus Jeucogramicus Lakshadweep has twelve atolls, three reefs and five
were also obtained. Except in Minicoy in all the islands S. submerged banks. During the recent survey 104 species of
deJicatuJus is the only bait species currently exploited. List scleractinian corals have been collected. Among the non
of major species contributing the live-bait resources of scleractinians, MiJJepora, HeJiopora and Tubipora have
Lakshadweep is given in Table 2. been recorded. At least 25 species of scleractinian corals
are new records to Lakshadweep.
Food fisbes other than tunas Coral growth in Amini and Kadmat was found to be poor.
The entire corals of the lagoon which was rich and varied
A variety of food fishes were found to occur in the
almost died out during the last 12 to 13 years at Kiltan. At
lagoons and the sea in the vicinity of the islands. These are
CheUat and Agatti-Bitra group of islands, the lagoons
fished mostly in the lagoons and reefs using simple gear
showed intermittant thickets of corals belonging to the
such as cast nets, dragnets, trapnets etc. The common food
genera Acropora, Heliopora. Porites, PeciJJopora and
fishes observed were goatfishes, carangids, belonids and
Psarnmocora. Corals at Kavaratti were quite healthy while
perches. Around Agatti., Bangaram, Tinakara, Bitra,
in Androth poor growth was observed. Minicoy seemed to
Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Androth and Minicoy larger food fishes
be the worst affected area due to human interference.
such as elasmobranchs, carangids, barracudas, serranids,
lutianids, lethrinids, sailfishes and wahoo were observed. Echinoderm resources
There is scope for exploiting these food fishes by longlining
A total of 81 species belonging to the phylum
and trolling. Good quantities of sharks and rays are caught
Echinodermata have been collected of which 16 species are
in Kavaratti, Suhelpar, Agatti, Bitra and Minicoy.
new records from Lakshadweep. The fauna includes a
number of economically important holothurians (sea
Ornamental fishes
cucumbers) used in the Beche-de-mer industry as well as
A wide variety of colourful ornamental fishes inhabit the many that are potential raw material for many bio active
coral reefs of Lakshadweep and are suitable for agents. AC/inopyga mauritiana (Q & G), A. echinites
maintenance of seawater aquaria. From Amini, Kadmat, (Jaeger), A. miliaris (0 & G), Bohadschia argus (Jaeger), B.
Kiltan and Chetlat nearly 68 species were observed. The mormorata (Jaeger), Holothuria (Microthele), nobilies
most common forms (30 species) belonged to the genera (Selenka) and TheJenota ananas (Jagaer) are important
StethojuJis, HaJichoeres, HoJocentrus, Chaetodon, species in Beche-de-mer preparation. Among these H.
Acanthurus, Chromis and Abudefduf. From Agatti, (Micl'OtheJe) nobiJis and T. ananas are highly priced items,
Bangaram, Tinnakara and Bitra 87 species have been and the former was found to be rich at Amini and to a
recorded. Some of the most beautiful ones and commonly lesser extent at CheUa!. The distribution and abundance of
encountered belonged to the families such as Labridae, these species varied from island to island. The roe of the
Callyodontidae, Balistidae, Chaetodontidae, Acanthuridae, sea urchine Tripneustes gratiJJia (Linn.) is a delicacy in
Pomacentridae, Serranidae. Muraenidae, MulIidae, Canthi- Japan. This species occured in fair numbers in Amini. A
gasteridae, Lutianidae, Scorpionidae, and HoJicentridae. number of species of ornamental value observed were
There appears to be scope for exploiting the wide variety Linckia laevigata, L. guildingi, Culeita novoguinea,
of ornamental fishes for export in a limited scale (James Asteropsis carinifera and DactyJosaster cyJindricus.
194

Molluscan resources Harvestable quantity of Gracilaria eduJis (20 tonnes) was

In general, the reefs and lagoons of the islands harbour observed in .'\gatti. Approximate standing crop of Gelidiella
predominantly ornamental gastropods such as cowries acerosa was estimated at 10 tonnes at Kavaratti and 3
(Cyprea), Trochus, Turbo, Lambis, Murex, and Conus. tonnes at Kalpeni. The maximum estimated quantity of 50
Bivalves were sparse in the lagoon/reef, mostly represented tonnes comprising Turbinaria spp. was observed at Suheli
by giant clam, Tridacna spp. Good cowry fishing was Par and 20 t at Kavaratti. In most of the islands, seagrass
observed at Kadmat, Chetlat, Agatti, Kalpitti, Bangaram and beds were noticed. Dominant species were Cymodocea
Tinnakaraq. The annual exploitation of cowries is serrulata, C. rotandata, Thalassia hemprichi, Syringodium
estimated at 6-8 lakh nos. The peak lishing season for isoetitolia, Halophila ovata and Halodule uninervis.
cowries is lrom September to November. The spat of pearl Sponge fauna
oysters (Pinctada spp.) was observed in dead coral
boulders at Kiltan, Kadmat and Chetlat and Agatti - Bitra Thomas (1973; 1979) mentioned 41 species of sponges
group of islands. Experimental pearl culture carried out at from Minicoy including typical coral and shell boring
Bangaram showed good growth rate and low mortality species such as Spirastrella cuspidifera, S. inconstance and
though a predator gastropod Cymatium was observed. The Cliona spp. The Indian bath sponge Spongia officianalis has
octopus fished by the fishermen alfords a sustenance been observed in Minicoy. Many sponges recorded from
fishery . .'\gatti, Kalpeni and Kavaratti are important centres Minicoy are rich in bromine and iodine. Recent
for octopus fishing and the most common species was observations by CMFRI indicated that free living sponges
Octopus vulgaris. The Palk Bay squid Sepioteuthis are rare in Lakshadweep. But many boring forms which
lessoniana recorded from Kalpeni is of interest, a:; they kills the coral colonies have been observed.
have been recorded from the West Coast only from
Vizhinjam and Veraval. Marine mammals, sea turtles and sea birds
Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are caught by harpoons
Crustacean resources
and consumed locally. About 20 dolphins are caught
Crustacean resources of economic importance such as annually at Androth. During the inter island travels the
prawns and lobsters were meagre to support a fishery. author has noticed dolphin shoals (James et al. 1987 a).
Prawns such as Penaeus japonicus and P. latisulcatus and Bhaskar (1984) reported four species of sea turtles such
lobsters like Panulirus versicolor and P. penicillatus were as the hawksbill (Erethmochelys imbricata), the olive ridley
recorded. But carideans, crabs and hermit crabs were (Lepidochelys olivacea), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
plenty among coral boulders. The shore collections and the leather-back (Dermochelys coriacea). Recent
Ct isted of ocypod, portunid and xanthid crabs. At observations indicated that the green turtle and hawksbill
Minicoy fishermen have been found to collect lobsters in turtle occur in good numbers in Agatti, Bangaram,
small quantities during October to January. Tinnakara and Bitra. At Suheli Par about 100 numbers of
nests (old) of green turtle were observed.
Seaweed and seagrass Resources The studies made by Betts (1938) revealed 44 species of
birds. Recent studies indicated that the sooty tern (Sterna
The marine algae have been systematically surveyed
sp.) and Philippine noddy (Anaus stoJidus pileatus) are
from a resource assessment angle (Anon , 1979), by the
often seen on the sand banks close to the islands. Other
Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute. The
species included the grey heron, burlew (Narnerius
biomass estimates (wet) of the standing crop lor all
arquata) and golden plover (PluviaJis dominica). Sootytern
Lakshadweep islands covering an area of 1,334 ha was
Sterna sp. and Philippine moddy (A.s. pileatus) are
estimated to be within 4,940 - 10,110 tonnes consisting of
reported to lay eggs in the sand bank on the reef at Bitra.
980 - 2,100 tonnes of agarophytes, 10-16 tonnes algino-
Terns are found in large numbers in Kodithala in between
phytes and 3,950 - 7980 tonnes of others. Major
Cheriyam and Kalpeni islands.
agarophytes observed were Gelidiella acerosa, GracilMia
edulis, Gelidium rigidum and Gelidiopis repens. Alginate
Potential for mariculture
resources were meagre, represented by Turbinaria and
Sargassum. Sea weeds such as Halimeda, Dictyota, The sea in the Lakshadweep is usually calm for about 6
Laurencia jania, TolypiocJadia. Caulerpa and Chondrococus months. The lagoons of some of the islands such as
constituted more than 75% and are potentially useful sea Minicoy, Kavaratti and Kalpeni offer good scope for fin fish
weeds. Recent observations indicated that Turbinaria in culture in cages, net enclosures and pens. In view of the
harvestable quantities exist in all islands. Agarophytos pole and line expansion programme, bait fish culture could
such as Hypnaea, Gelidiella, GeJidiopsis etc. were observed be tried. Artificial reefs also can be put up especially in
to be abundant in Amini, Kadmat. Kultan and Chetlat. Minicoy and tuna wastes could be used for attracting
 195

fishes. The pearl culture programmes at Agatti and National Institute of Oceanography have furthered our
Bangaram could be improved with technical assistance knowledge on the environmental characteristics,
from CMFRl. The shallow waters also offer scope for sea information on the seasonal changes taking place in
weed culture. Culture of holothurians through sea-ranching Lakshadweep is not complete. The enviornmental features
also can be attempted. Culture of ornamental fishes also is need integration with respect to resources in question.
of prime importance. Such synoptic picture will help to understand the
resources availability and their potential for future rational
Conservation exploitation and conservation.
The atolls of Lakshwadweep with their comparatively A sound data base is a pre-requisite for planning of
small areas face special problems with regard to research and development of marine fisheries. Continuous
conservation, since they lack a large buffer zone (Anon monitoring of resources and environmental parameters is
(981 ). It is essential to preserve the coral reef ecosystem of necessary to critically review the progress of the on-going
the island if the marine resources of this region are to be programmes, in identifying bottle necks and arriving at
stabilised. The lagoon environment of Lakshadweep has remedial measures. The CMFRJ would be able to employ
undergone changes due to natural and artificial factors. the latest techniques for exploration, research and
Among the natural factors, mechanical force of cyclones, management. For delineating productive areas of the sea,
sea erosion, silting, predation and possibly natural the Institute has developed expertise in remote sensing in
senescence are important. Man made activities include collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation.
construction and dredging operations, indiscriminate Keeping in view of the prosperity of the islanders, it is
exploitation of certain resources, large scale quarrying and desirable to follow a systems approach where the various
oil pollution. The atoll habitat is fragile , diverse and easily components are treated as essential parts of the system
vulnerable and the effects of these adverse factors will instead of dealing each problem in isolation. Such an
have serious consequences. The lagoons of Minicoy, appraach would help in bringing to light the complexities
Kavaratti, Amini, Kadmat and Kiltan were subjected to long of the problems in the correct perspective, in building up
term dredging by the Lakshadweep Harbour Department. proper linkages between the different components and
Such dredging is essential also for the development of the ensuring a fast and balanced growth of the economy of the
islands. At least in Minicoy and Kiltan it has destroyed islands.
extensive areas of corals by siltation. Since the intensity of
coral growth is a major factor that determines settlement References
of coral reef fishes, their destruction affects the general Anon. 1979. A report 01 survey of marine algal resources of Lakshadweep
fauna too. Adoption of a cautious approach to dredging and 1977-'79. Cent. Salt & Mar. Ch. Res.lnsl: 48 pp.
blasting of corals in the lagoon warrants immediate Anon. 1981 . Conservation of the Islands. IUCN Bull . 12 ( 5-6): 29.
attention. Furture research programmes should attempt to Anon. 1986. Lakshadweep and the people. Planning Department,
1) conduct experiments to rejuvenate, transplant and Secretariat, Kavaratti. 1986.87 pp.
Betts, F.N. 1938. The birds of the Laccadive islands. 1. Bombay nat. Hist.
regrow the corals, and 2) sea-ranching with respect to Soc .. 40 (3} 382-387.
commercially important groups. It is essential to declare Bhasker, S. 1984. The distribution and status of sea turtles in India. Proc.
undisturbed and undamaged areas like Suheli Par, Agatti, Workshop on Sea Turtle Conservation. 27·29 Feb., 1984, Madras:
Bangaram, Kadmat and Chetlat as core areas for marine 22-35.
parks for the protection and preservation of the marine George, P.c., Raja BT A. and George K.c.. 1977. Fishery resources of the
Indian Economic Zone. Silver Jubilee Souvenir. IFP: 79-116.
flora and fauna. Suitable underwater surveys should be
George. V. and Shanmugham, P. 1983. The status 01 tuna fishery in Agatti
undertaken. The local administration has initiated action to Island in Lakshadweep. J. mar. bioI. Ass. India, 1987: 25 (1 &2):
check sea erosion and also issued orders banning all sorts 190·201.
of collections of corals except for scientific purposes. James. P.5.B.R. and Pillai. P.P. 1987. Strategies lor tuna fisheries
Multimedia campaign to educate the public is also needed. development and management in the Indian Exclusive Economic
Zone. National Symposium on Research and Development in
The problem of conservation of the environment has to be
Marine Fisheries, Mandapam Camp (in press).
effectively tackled to prevent any short or long term James, P.5B.R.. PilIai, C.s.C., PilJai , P.P.. Livingston, P. and Mohan. M. 1986.
deleterious effects on the marine resources. There is ample Marine fisheries research In Lakshadweep - A historical resume.
scope for development for tourism. Sport fishing can Mar. Fish.lnloT. Serv. T&E. Ser., 68: 7-9.
attract tourists. Necessary steps to provide facilities like James, P.5B.R.. Pillai . P.P .. and Jayaprakash , AA 1987. Impressions of a
recent visit to Lakshadweep from the fisheries and marine
boats and gear for sport fishing may be taken up at suitable
biological perspectives. Mar. Fish. Inlor. Serv. T&£ Ser., 72: 1-11.
islands. James, P.5.B.R., Gopak"UJTlar, G. and PilJai, P.P. 1987. Small-scale pole and
Comments line tuna fishery at Lakshadweep - Present trend, constraints and
strategies for future development. Mar. Fish.lnloT. Ser. T&E Ser. 77
Though earlier research efforts carried out by CMFRI and (in press).
 196

Jones. S. 1958. Tuna live baltllshery of Minicoy Island . Indian J. Fish .. 5 (1): Silas, E.G. and Pillai, P.P. 1982. Resources of tunas and related species and
189·194. their fisheries in the Indian Ocean Bull. Cent. Mar. Fish. Res. Inst:
Jones. S. 1986. Lakshadweep - General features and some considerations. 32,174 pp.
Mar. fish. lnfor. Serv. T&E. Sec 68: 3-6. Silas, E.G. and PillaL P.P. 1986. Indian tuna fishery development _
Mohan , M. and Kunhikoya. KK 1986. Biology of the bait fishes, perspectives and a management plant. BUll. Cent. Mar. Fish. Res.
Spratel/oides delicatulu5 (Bennett) and S. Japonicus (Houttiyn) Inst. 36; 193·208.
from Minicay waters. BUll. Cent. Mar. Fish. Res. lost., 36: 164-172. Thomas , PA 1973. The new records of Demospongiae from Indian Ocean,
Pillai , C.5.G. 1986. Status of coral reefs in Lakshadweep. Mar. Fish. 1nlor. J. mar. bioI. Ass.lndiJ , 15(1); 443-445.
Serv. T&E Ser; 68; 38-41. Thomas, PA 1979. Demospongiae of Minicoy Island (Indian Ocean) Part I.
Pillai. P.P., Kumaran, M. Pillai , CS.G .. Mohan, M.. Gopakumar. G. Livingston Orders Keratosida and Haploscleride. J. mar. bioI. Ass. India, 21:
P. and Srinath, M. 1986. Ibid 68: 33·37. Mar. Fish. Infor. Serv. T&E. 10·16.
Ser. 68; 33·37.

Table I. Mannt f"1Sh Landings in ~ ( 19i5 - 1985-86).

(figures in toone)

".
No
""'. 1975 1976 Ion 1978 19i9 1901 1981·
82 . ..
1982· 1983· 1"'·
85
1985·

"
1. """""''''''''
C~fishes
325 354 269 1911 J64
"" 223 221 325 217 ".

•.
3

5.
~rsardines
Belon & Hemirharnphus
Flying fish .," 33
.1 "
3<l
144
3J
101
16 "" 100
"
14
95
29 " 39

,. "'"'"
Rtd mullets
186 193 111 163 200 376 253 245 151 149 143

....'"
,• """~
34

61
" " 11 11 Z7

.,
14 26 34 14

10 Leiognathus 5 " " " 58 50

II.
!2. '" ""
Tunnies "
1931 " .1 .1 14
2194
11
", 91 63 52
"
13.
""""~ "l'
1291
20
1116
15
18iS
18 11
"60
I.
1'<lO 2634
10 "" ''''
21 13
3775

I •.
15.
~
MisceU~ 21. "
361
23
281
10
201
15
183
13
206
15
181 .,
10 13
421
13
350
11
31'

T"", 2931 2572 22 15 2780 3486 2909 ,." 3810 4301 "94 4629

Ta~ 2. ust 01 major ~1e5 contnbutmg ~ li,-e-bail rr:sourteS 01 L.a~

Family
""',,'
Dus.sum~ndae Sprat('lIouJes dt.'IiciJtu/us Hoodel i' : ManjachaJa:;:
5.gr.d/i$ Rem' : Churaichala +

Ard"IMni. hK.t.a Rybodi' : Poothan +

Apogon s.ng/eU!fis Dombndi': Poottwl +
...I.~CiJllthl.d Diklruribodj' : Poothan +
RhabdMUa gracilis Reh ibodi ' ; Poothan'"
R..C}~/uro$ Oigubodi' : Poothan +
OstorllY7IChus apogookJes 11ond, '
0. quadrila.sc~tu5 Rumkuribodi'; Pooth.!n +

CM!SJO c.tru/,urew Hudenmugurang'

C. xanlhonotus """"",,-'
GJm/lOC~io ~Ieus DandimiJiUfang ChoonichaJ" "+
G. gymnoptt.'rus Geretha'
P/t.'rocmio pis;mg Rymugurang'
P. Ule R)mugurang'
P. chr}"5O:SOIl.J l<ekkurimugurang"

Pomacenttidae Ouomi$ clJMJkus Nilamahi"; Padlakotai t

C. nigruf1J5 Idugidari"
PomiJC('fl/fUS paW) Hu ibui '
Lepidoz}'gIJS t<Jpeinosoma Burekl': Majahlburek i+

Ath!.>rmidiH' PraMSUS pinguis Fitham' : Tholiyan +

, = at MinlCOY: • • al northern ISlands

 19i

~ •. • , , . . , . , . T • • '

Ii "
"\,.!
(~CH[Tl.AT
,-. !lILTAN
~-/ ~ ~~ ilO
<.·.
·~fI~.f. J!/ruOIUT
,.."..
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-,lTTl-_~//~/:W ,.-~ ~·AHOIItOTM

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Tllef'•• .....
1,1,3

LAKSHADW[[P
,~OU,. 0' IlL ..... 01
,,"'_1 Of" INHAlITIo 'ILMOI
•• MI .. OICATID .... 0 .......
LUTUI .... p UlIIn.MAI! n 0
, .. ITAliCS

... 75·

Fig. 1. The Lakshadweep group o f islands.

-
60
2!544
0
0 %
on
'" !< = - 40
0
0
~ -
- 20
0
,.,
0
..... ~ __
%
...
V>

- --
"-...
___ v>_::O-: ___ 0
Z ~
---'"'-- --- --- __ or___""'_

Zo %
-
00
~'"
V>
...
%
Z
"-
%
cDc
.. %
...
V>
% .
V>
~
(I)
0
.
V>
%
(I)
C
V>
0
0
V>

.
~
0

.... '"- ....

c ZO: (I)
0 Z
!!! ..J "-
0
0:
CD
0-
..J% 0.- V> ..J
~
'"c
Z ii:
0:
(I)
C ...c
~ 0
..J
C
..J
~. 0 % ~
'"'" z ......
C
..J
~

...
II>
~ Z
.
0: 0
0:
C (I)
~
~
0:

... '" i
0: "-
%

n ~rl1 :'n
~ I/)
..J "-
ILl

Fig. 2. Estimated landings ( tonnes) of major groups of fi shes and their percentage contribution (Av. 19i5 to 1985-86)