ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS AND FISHERY RESOURCES IN AGATTI AND KAVARATTI ISLANDS OF LAKSHADWEEP SEA, INDIA

The present study was under taken to have a detailed survey on commercially important fish landings in the Agatti and Kavaratti islands, Lakshadweep Sea, South-west of India from January to December (2016). Seasonal (premonsoon, monsoon, postmonsoon) survey was carried out. Results indicate that 59 species of commercially important fishes were recorded which belongs to 9 orders and 33 families. Among the surveyed families, Scombridae was found dominant followed by Carangidae, Lutjanidae and Mullidae. Katsuwonus pelamis was most recorded. The study indicates that the fishery resources in each island changed according to the seasons. Most fish landings were recorded during the summer and monsoon seasons. The environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen were also measured and correlated with fish landings. Though Lakshadweep Sea is far off from the main land and facing less nutrient supply, but it contributes considerable quantity of fishery resources in India. The Lakshadweep people depend mainly on fishing as their livelihood and especially on tuna fisheries. People are also making by product of tuna in huge quantity for commercial purpose. Still tuna is considered as maximum profitable species. However, its dwindling stock has been a great concern in Lakshadweep Sea.