Distribution and Abundance of Deep Sea Fishes Along the West Coast of India

Madhusoodana Kurup B.; Venu S.

doi:10.56093/ft.v39i1.17899

Authors

Madhusoodana Kurup B. School of Industrial Fisheries, Fine Arts Avenue, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin
Venu S. School of Industrial Fisheries, Fine Arts Avenue, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v39i1.17899

Keywords:

Deep sea fishes, fish distribution, EEZ, India

Abstract

Bathymetric and spatial distribution and abundance of the deep-sea finfish resources in the EEZ off west coast of India (200-750m) are discussed based on the results of three fishing cruises carried out from FORV Sagar Sampada during 1998-2000. Results indicate the existence of potentially rich unexploited deep sea finfish resources. The area between 7Â° and 9Â° N lat was found to be more productive with catch rates ranging from 660.5 -1185.6 kg.h1. Comparatively low catch rates were obtained between 10Â° and 11Â° N lat and 14Â° and 21Â° N lat with catch rates ranging from 18.0 to 41.3 kg.h1. Areas within 9o-10o N and 11Â°- 14Â° N lat contributed moderate catches with CPUE ranging from 75.79 to 229.17 kg.h1. Most productive depth ranges were found to be 201-300 and 301-400 m. Major species constituting the catches were Chlorophthalmus punctatus, Chlorophthalmus bicornis, Psenopsis cyanea, Neopinnula orientalis, Hoplostethus mediterraneus, Psenes squamiceps, Nettastoma parviceps and Priacanthus hamrur.