Distribution pattern of Hilsa in the Tapti estuary of West coast of India

Abstract In Indian sub-continent, the Hilsa is represented by three species viz. Tenualosa ilisha, Tenualosa toli and Hilsa kelee. An investigation was carried out in the Tapti estuary of West coast of India during 2011-2012 to know the distribution pattern of hilsa in the Tapti system. The catch variability of these species, based on experimental fishing in the sampling centers, depicted contribution of Tenualosa ilisha at 69.55% followed by Tenualosa toli (24.3%) and Hilsa kelee (6.15%). Tapti is virtually devoid of commercial fisheries of the species at the present point of time. Events like installation of Vallabh Sagar Dam at Ukai and subsequently construction of causeways and weirs at the downstream negativated the hydrological and also hydrographical phenomenon of the river course for incoming oh hilsa. There is need of conservation of all the species with the approach of responsible fishing. Key words: Clupeid, Hilsa, Estuary, Anadromous, Morphometry, Commercial appearance Clupeids happen to be significant component of open water fisheries in India. The group includes a number of species, among which Indian shad (Hilsa) besides quantitative importance has economic significance for the fishers and the entrepreneurs. In Indian sub-continent, the Hilsa is represented by three species