Marine Fishes Captured in within and outside Potential Fishing Zones off Ratnagiri Coast, Maharashtra, India

Upon validation of PFZ advisory from Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg district coasts, total fishing boats going in within and outside PFZ were hired for fish catch data analysis during 2006-2011. Sindhudurg 2008-2010. Fishing operation carried out by different fishing boats and gears in potential fishing zone in the open sea. Prima-facie observation was made on board as far as exhaustive possible. During the study period total number of chlorophyll map 124 and Sea Surface Temperature 109 advisories were received. In total 11 chlorophyll and 94 Sea Surface Temperature advisories are validated. The feedback is also collected from the fishermen of the coasts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, districts. Among three districts different fishing methods such as purse-seine, trawl and gill net are in major fishing operation. Study of these fishing methods inside PFZ and outside PFZ has performed. Total 23 fish landing centers were selected. In all 87 purse seiners, 150 trawlers and 18 gill netters were observed.