Author(s): J. Selvin Pitchaikani, A.P. Lipton

Abstract: Fish catch patterns with seasonal variation of the three traditional fishing grounds off Tiruchendur coast, Gulf of Mannar was studied for the period of two years (2009-10). The main objective of the study was to estimate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for the sustainable harvesting. A total of 31 commercially important fishes were caught from the sampling boats, which included 9 species of pelagic, 16 species of demersal, 4 species of crustaceans and 2 species were available in mid water and benthic region. A total of 15395 kg and 15013.5 kg of fish catch were recorded at station 1 and 2 respectively. Comparatively, more fish catch about 17073.65 kg was recorded at station 3 during the study. Fish catch and CPUE showed a similar trend during the study, which indicates that fishing effort has positive impact on catch. The predicted maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for station 1 was about 665.7kg with optimum effort of 10.6 kg/h. In station 2, MSY was about 699 kg with optimum effort of 9 kg/h. At station 3, the MSY was 976 kg with an optimum effort of 11.16kg/h. The results of Schaefer model revealed that the fishery has already attained the sustainable level and also suggested that the current levels of effort are optimal.

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