Status of exploitation of tunas at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep

i'ole and line fishing for tunas is a vital component of the fishery of Lakshadweep 'orming about 80% of the total tuna caught in these islands. The northern island of \gatti is the largest tuna fishing area contributing 35-40%. During the period from 1994 -'97, the annual average catch was 1,280 t with CPUE of 347 kg and CPUB catch f)er unit bait) of 22 kg. Fishing season conunences from late November and continues up to May with peak catches during December to March. Skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis) is the major sjjecies caught followed by Auxis thazard, Thunnus ilbacares and Euthynnus affinis. Fishing grounds near Agatti subscribed 54% of the ;atch followed by Perumal Par forming 43%. The size of K.pelamis caught ranged irom 20 to 76 cm with modes at 48 and 54 cm. Of late, the tuna fishery of Lakshadweep s almost stagnant but there is scope for its expansion. In addition to the recommenlations made by earlier workers to expand the fishery, there is an urgent need to >btain data on some major aspects like population dynamics, migratory behaviour, invironmental factors influencing the distribution of various tima species and their iggregation around logs, FADs and seamounts.