12 Chapter 5

GENERAL SUMMARY
AND
CONCLUSIONS

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GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

All the PFZ and non-PFZ validation experiment was conducted
successfully where the area is given in PFZ advisory. The following
objectives are attempted to study from both within and outside PFZ
regions.
a. Study on fishing crafts.
b. Identifying techniques of marine fish finding.
c. Identifying major pelagic and demersal fishes in terms of catch.
d. To evaluate the potentiality of the PFZA and socio-economic uplifting of
fishermen community from the Ratnagiri district coast.
e. Scientific analysis of the entire fish catch data for calculating (I) total
fish catch, (II) percent success and (III) reduction in search time,
f. morphometric analyses of selected fish species from the catches, and
(g) study on male and female pomfret species to determine (i)
biochemicals viz. protein, lipid and glycogen from muscle, gonad and
liver and (ii) reproduction based on gonad histology.

The study on fishing crafts is given from time to time various details
in the introductory remark and brief account in discussion part and
basically it was important when we study comparative analysis of the
fishing boats operated from different landing centers. The fishing boat
going in PFZ should have appropriate basic usage of compass, wireless
communication, admiralty chart with parallel scale and GPS as well as life
jackets and life buoys. Fisher is taking maximum benefit of PFZ advisory
to get large fish catch than under non-PFZ. The present study is continued
at acquiring knowledge on total fish catch, percent success, reduction in
search time and morphometric characters of major fishes from within and
outside PFZ pelagic and demersal fish catches. In the materials and
methods the fish species list apparently provide details whether they do
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find in pelagic or demersal in nature or migratory with their scientific,
common and local names.
Acoording to Love (1970), principal composition of fish is 16-21%
protein, 0.2-5% fat, 0-0.5% carbohydrate but on the other side carbohydrate
in three pomfrets showed average level for within and outside PFZ areas.
The results obtained in the present study fall well from within and outside
PFZ zone validation experiment is performed in the sea water within the
earlier reported values. The protein found in fish is of high biological value
which means that fish can be used as the sole source of protein in the diet.
The increased protein content in the liver of female pomfrets may be due to
vitellogenin, a lipoprotein which is synthesized in the liver and is
transported to the ovary (Wallace, 1985). Besides, gonadal protein content
increased with maturation only in female pomfrets.
Accordingly, protein content goes on increasing with the
advancement in maturity. Similar elucidation in Mugil cephalus was
suggested by Das (1978). He noticed that high values of protein coincided
with the spawning season when the gonads were ripe and the decline
coincided with post spawning period. In the present study it seems that fish
was utilizing fat as a main source of energy sparing protein for body
building. This was corroborated by findings recorded by Phillips et al.
(1966). They found that carbohydrates were utilized for energy by trout and
thus spared protein for protein purposes in the body. Rattan (1994)
suggested that protein and visceral lipid resources may be utilize in the pre-
spawning period and the muscle reserve in the post - spawning period in
Etroplus suratensis. Therefore, the sequence of mobilization of endogenous
source of energy could be the possible reason of high level of lipid content
in the mature spawners.
Van Bohemen and Lambert (1980) that the highest protein content
in pre-spawning stage might be due to its ready supply suggested it by the
liver. Protein cycle and lipid cycle of muscle in three pomfret were more or
less inversely related. It seems that there is an alternative uses of the energy
sources (lipids and protein) in the pomfret fishes. Depending upon the level
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of lipids in the fish muscles, fishes are classified into three categories e.g.
fat fish with more than 8 % average fat content, average fat fish with fat
content vary between 1 % and 8 % and lean fish with fat content less than 1
% (Srivastava, 1999). Accordingly three pomfret is having an average fat
content falls into the second category (average fat fish).
The maturation and the enrichment of gonads in lipid coincided
with a decline of the lipid content in muscles and liver. In the present study
the more intense reduction in the lipid content in the muscle and liver of
males compared to females pomfrets indicate that the reproductive cost is
higher in females than in males in all the three pomfret fishes collected
from the within and outside PFZ validation experiment conducted. Marked
changes were observed in the biochemical composition of the muscle of
pomfret fishes during different seasons of the year especially from
November-December and March-April,
Seasonal variations in lipid levels in fishes are fundamentally
related to the reproductive cycle since most marine fishes generally
accumulate large lipid deposits prior to gonadal development (Mourente et
al., 2002). This lipid reserve is subsequently used as metabolic energy
during the spawning migration, but in the female broodfish, it is largely
mobilized and transferred into the developing ovary (Bell, 1998). In
agreement an increased gonadal lipid was observed in female pomfrets. In
pomfrets fishes a higher percentage of lipid reduction was observed in liver
compared to muscles, indicating that the use of liver reserves in a better
extent than the muscle reserves.
Accumulation of lipid in pomfrets ovary from within and outside
PFZ validation experiment during late post-spawning upto last early pre-
spawning period may be correlated with the maturation of ova in ovary
during study. The total lipid also increases for within than outside PFZ
zone in the testis of three pomfret species during late post -spawning and
early pre-spawning time. In fish body the gonads store large quantity of
lipid during maturation (Wada, 1955).The present intricate and important
investigation was undertaken with a purpose to investigate variations in
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lipid level of three pomfrets ovaries and testis viz. P. argenteus, P. chiensis
and P.niger.
The lipid content very less in liver shows during in both the season
late in post-spawning and early in pre-spawning period and generally it
shows lower level in gonads throughout the study period. It indicates that
liver might be accumulating to some extent lipids and supplying lipid to the
ovary during maturing period even though it maintains low level
throughout the study period. Increase in ovarian total lipids in relation to
sexual maturity has been reported by some workers (Wada, 1955; Nomura,
1963; Varghese, 1976). The lipid content in testis of three pomfrets
increases during late post-spawning and early pre-spawning period and
gradually increases during early period of pre-spawning i.e., March-April.
An increase in level of lipid testis during early period of pre-spawning may
be correlated with the maturation of sperms in testis.
The lipid content in testis of three pomfret gradually increases
during post-spawning till the end early pre-spawning period. An increased
level in total lipid in testis during post-spawning and early pre-spawning
period suggesting the active metabolites processes and mobilization of
essential metabolites towards gonads during early pre-spawning period.
The testicular lipids increase during the period of gametogenesis from
November-December to March-April in all the three pomfret species viz.
P. argenteus, P. chinensis and P.niger fromwithin and outside PFZ zone.
During peak of spawning, the testicular lipids are increased and the value
of lipids from liver and then muscles fall in early pre-spawning period, fall
in testicular lipids in post-spawning period has been recorded in Pampus
argenteus and Parastromateus niger by (Varghese, 1976). But in the
present study increase in testicular lipids in both the season viz. late post-
spawning and early pre-spawning from within and outside PFZ validation
experiment for three pomfrets species have been recorded off Ratnagiri
coast.
Changes in the muscle fat were well marked revealed with the
growth of the fish. The lipid content showed a gradual increase with the
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increase in length in the size group 25-32cm which showed the maximum
lipid content value. Such distribution of lipids in the muscles of pomfret
suggests that the energy demands during the growth are met by the muscle
fat.
The study of the proximate composition of pomfret fishes from
within and outside PFZ validation area revealed that it is rich in protein and
average in lipid content. The variations in the chemical compositions,
particularly in relation to the protein, glycogen and lipid would indeed be a
very fruitful field of study.The proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are the
major biochemical constituents acts as a firsthand source of energy for
physiological functions incorporating reproduction. In the present study,
variations in the major biochemical parameters namely, protein, glycogen
and lipid have been analyzed from the mature fishes of three pomfrets size
(25 to 30cm) selected for the biochemical study caught within and outside
PFZ upon validation of PFZ advisory from the Harnai, Mirkarwada and
Sakhri-Natye in Ratnagiri district coast.
In spite of the vast scope and potentials for development of marine
fishery along Ratnagiri coast, significant and tangible progress needs to be
achieved so far through INCOIS-DOD which is leading to benefit the
fishermen community in obtaining high fish catch with less efforts and time
and fuel saving from PFZ, still much is needed to work based on a few
drawbacks and gaps as seen (a) lack of sufficient understanding PFZ, (b)
failure to recognize the PFZ during fishing, (c) lack of modernizing or
upgrading the mechanized boats, and (d) little infrastructure and equipment
in fishing. The INCOIS-DOD Mission activities should be thoroughly and
critically is followed both by fishermen and their societies on the Ratnagiri
coast region for which the expansion of this Mission and extension of
research activities.
It is seemed that after utilizing PFZ advisory in proper PFZ zone the
shoals of pomfrets which is less in quantity were encountered in within and
outside PFZ areas in trawl and gill nets used for fishing for the study area.
Comparatively more or less pomfrets fish catch were occurred from all fish
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landing centers. From the landing centers all trawlers fishing vessels with
the consent of boat owners selected for the valuable study. Fishermen crew
consists of 8-10 on the boat. The more variety in fish catch occurred from
trawl net than purse-seine and gill net operation. The difference in
biochemical compositions, histological study, total fish catch, percent
success, reduction in search time and morphometric characters of major
fish species for within and outside PFZ area are discussed in detail in
discussion part.
The pomfrets forms a major fishery resource by itself in the Indian
marine fisheries sector. A characteristic of the pomfrets fishery is the less
fluctuating nature of the fish catches from within and outside PFZ
validation area in the sea water during November-December and March-
April off Ratnagiri coast. A bit study on the PFZ and non-PFZ zone attempt
has been carried out to present this intricate data during the period. There is
intimate relation between feeding, its cycling for gonadal and somatic
growth processes and subsequent recruitment success. The present study
therefore was aimed at understanding the dynamics of the pomfrets
resources using a holistic approach integrating information on the
maturation and biochemical composition, histological study from a
relatively less studied region namely from the Ratnagiri coast.
The present study indicated that, because there is no much more
known in such biochemical aspect of pomfrets from within and outside
PFZ zone resulting in the less availability throughout the year and study
period. But it is clear that from the availability of the various stages of
spontaneous activity occurs during the pre-spawning (March-April) and
small minor peak occurs during (post-spawning) November-December
which is probably due to the favorable environmental conditions and food
availability during these periods. The pomfret fishery along the Ratnagiri
coast is thus mainly sustained by the recruits originating around October -
November.
The geographical position of the Indian Ocean with Arabian Sea on
the west and Bay of Bengal on the east and a wide continental shelf along
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with periodic threshold of the southwest and northwest. The rains, rivulet
and rivers discharge, in addition upwelling crop up and provide substantial
base for primary, secondary and tertiary production in the seas around
India. It patently constitutes a rich part and parcel of marine fishery of our
country and the per annum potential in the Indian EEZ is estimated at 3.93
million tonnes along the 8, 118 km coastline. However probably marine
potential of India have been relied upon capture fisheries statistics. The
fisheries contribute only 1.4 % to the national GDP and 5.35 % to the
Agricultural GDP which is very low as compared to the potential of the
country. The marine potential fishery resources available in area of 2.02
million square kilometers in the EEZ with the promulgation of the 200
nautical mile during 1976. Out of which on the west coast 0.86 while on
the east coast 0.56, beside 0.60 million square kilometers around Andaman
and Nicobar groups of Islands. Owing to possession of fishing rights, India
needs to keeping conserve, evolve, and at the most exploited marine
resources on sustainable prop and stay basis to take stock of exploited
species.
For the proper understanding of the marine ecosystem, the regular
monitoring of various environmental parameters and the organisms
associated with it is essential. Various elements and compounds are present
in sea water, the presence of these compounds are influenced by life
processes in the sea and also activities by man on land. Increasing
urbanization and industrialization along the coastal states have created an
awareness and need to study the adjacent coastal marine environments, as it
is liable to change the physicochemical characteristics of these coastal
ecosystems.
Fishery is constituted in toto by the small scale, involvement of
conventional and mechanized sectors, in addition crop up industrial sector
too. A halieutic sector especially in the recent past has played an important
role in the Indian economy on the part of employment generation, eked
firsthand income and through earning valuable foreign exchange. The
fishing sector provides fruitful employment to about 3.84 million full times
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and part times fisher with copious number of fishermen population is also
engaged in ancillary activities in association with capture and aquaculture
fisheries. As for the overall development of fisheries sector of India,
notably since the target of fish production of 5.6 lakhs tonnes for 2003-04
was lower than 6.3 lakhs tonnes in 2002-03. Hence a holistic approach to
coastal aquaculture development is needed for restoring and conserving the
ecological and economic integrity of Indias coastal zone resources. India is
having around 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
declared in 1997 but could not give satisfactory aftermath in exploiting our
marine natural resources.
In Maharashtra State a major need of the konkan region is to
develop effective programs to conduct the required fisheries research to
determine optimum yield for various species, and to develop and
implement effective fishery management and conservation programs to
ensure that fishery resources are managed as rationally as possible. In
addition, the principal benefit to both rural and urban poor consumers in the
konkan region should come in the form of improved nutrition through
marine fisheries. Significant benefits could also accrue through a more
optimal use of present fishery resources and technology.
If effective management procedures are to be implemented it is
essential to develop an understanding of the ecosystems in which the fish
species live. Such studies may involve research on environmental
parameters and the habitat associates with respect to their satisfaction of the
requirements of species or species assemblage. At present data from within
and outside PFZ region is not available from the konkan region. Study and
research that will appraise the present status of knowledge of pomfrets
fishery in PFZ is needed together with the data directed to provide the
essential resources information base so that wise policies can be formulated
and implemented to save the posterity of the pomfrets species.
The Maharashtra State has 720 km of coastline with the continental
shelf area of 111512 square kilometer with a view to increase the quantum
of fish production marine waters. It has long coast along the Arabian Sea
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extending from Dahanu and Bordi in the north proceeding southwards into
Goa. Seas are rough only during the monsoon which strikes between J une
and September. Amongst these related indicators, major growth is seen like
number of fish cooperative societies, good quantity of fish brought for
curing, salt-issued such pivots are the positive feature for development of
fisheries in Maharashtra. Also the Maharashtra accounts for 14-20 percent
of the total marine fish production of India. De facto, the pivotal problem in
the face of marine fisheries of Maharashtra is depletion of resources may
be because of illegal presence of foreign vessels from the different areas
that has been crop up pressure on the coastline.
In order to tackle this difficulty, there is necessity for the
Government of India to launch zonalization of coastline in the National
Fishing Policy. It would not aid only in ceasing illegal presence from other
areas of the fishing boats as well to examine the depletion of fishery
resources. There are some loopholes in the firsthand existing fishing laws
should also be checked to forbid any illegal appearance of fishing boats.
Especially, Maharashtra Fisheries Regulation Act (MHFRA) was
introduced in the state in 1981, in accordance with provision made in this
act; the mesh size of cord end of trawl net has been specified for different
landing centers and followed stringently by the whole fishermen
community. Further to retain existing fish stock there should keep uniform
restraint on lawless entry of other fishing boats.
Fishing of finfish and shellfish being the primary occupation in
most of the rural areas of the coastal regions of many states like
Maharashtra. The increasing fishing pressure and unmanaged coastal and
marine environment have created great stress on marine ecosystem in
general and on the livelihood of the traditional fishing community in
particular. The overexploitation of marine living resources is already
occurring in some heavily fished areas and the fishing grounds are coming
under growing pressure. This has become an increasing problem. Moreover
the fish stocks are being depleted due to inappropriate fishing techniques
and inshore pollution in many regions. There is now occurring
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irresponsible damage to the biodiversity of marine ecosystem. This brings
the risk that the future sustainable yield of the fishing grounds will be
reduced and certain species will be eliminated and the competition between
different types of fishing operators will cause serious economic and social
distress to the users apart from having serious ecological repercussions.
Despite the above facts, in Maharashtra State marine fisheries is still
occupying a high place, both on account of the existing production as well
as of the potentialities for increasing production and economy. However,
concerted efforts are to be taken for development of marine fisheries so that
common man gets all the benefits accruing there from. There appears to be
lack of adequate knowledge to fishermen in the modern trends in marine
fisheries sector.
The total number of users as on today is approximately around 10%
along Ratnagiri coast. Where the chlorophyll concentration and sea surface
temperature are suitable for the growth of the fish with physiologically and
ecologically, and fishing is done with the satellite advisory sent by
INCOIS, that area may be called as potential fishing zone. If the fishing is
done in outside PFZ apart from within PFZ zone in the absence of PFZ
advisory those area are called as outside PFZ area. The pomfrets belong to
families: Formionidae which includes the black pomfret (formio niger/P.
niger) and stromatiedal which includes the silver pomfret (p. argenteus)
and the Chinese pomfret (p. chinensis). The general distribution of
pomfrets in the Indo-West Pacific region extends from the Persian gulf of
J apan through the coast of India and Hongkong. Although pomfrets are
available all along the Indian coast, they occur in commercial
concentrations only along the northwest and northeast coasts. The brown
pomfret fishery constitutes bulk along the northwest coast. The silver
pomfret, P. argenteus, is the most predominant along the north-east coasts
where it forms (91.7%) of the pomfret catches followed in small quantities
by the brown pomfret, F. niger (5.3%) and the C. pomfret, P. chinensis
(3.0%).
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Purse seiners, trawlers and gillnetters landed their fish catch at
Mirkarwada, Harnai and sakhri-Natye in general and upon PFZ validation.
The length of purse seine net ranged from 500 to 1200 m, depth from 15 to
40 m and mesh size ranged from 15-25 mm. Purse seines were operated
mechanised vessels with a crew complement of 15 to 25 persons. The trawl
nets of cod end mesh size 10-20 mm, were operated from wooden vessels
of 30 to 50 L
OA
fitted with 40-60 hp engines, using 50-60 kg otter boards.
The gill nets were operated inshore waters and the nets had a length of
about 500 m, depth of 3-6 m and mesh size ranged from 80 to160 mm. The
purse seining is a seasonal activity generally ranging from September to
May. The purse seine fishery has been the most productive fishery and
proved to be beneficial by applying PFZ advisory at Mirkarwada than trawl
fishery.
As we know along the sprawling area of Indian coastline of
8114km, about 7 million people living, substantially they are dependant for
their livelihood on fishing. Ratnagiri district is one of the most important
maritime districts of the state with the coastal belt extending to about 200
miles from Boria in the north to Reddy in the south. Fishing is mainly
dependant on exploitation of marine resources. The district is considered to
be under developed in practically every field and fisheries are no exception
to it. The state of under development is due to lack of facilities in
communication, transport and preservation. Illiteracy in the fisher also one
of the hindrance in development of marine fishery. The estimated per
annum fish catch of the district is 20,000 tons. Besides this, shell fisheries
are also exploited in a number of creeks, backwaters and estuaries along the
coast.
In Ratnagiri, fishing is the most important direct and indirect
employment generating activity in the entire coastal zone of 167 km. At
present however the no. of fishing boats about 4000 and above 70,000
fishermen engaged in fishing activities, out of these an active fisher is
25,286 living for their subsistence ( Census2003). The fisher involve in
fishing activity at sprawling area 6600sq km along coast.The fishermen
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involves in fishing activities at sprawling fishing area 6600 sq. km along
Ratnagiri coast, which are total of 67,615 out of these an active fisher is
25,286 living for their subsistence (Census-2003). Purse-seine, trawl and
gill net fishing are the principal fishing methods adopted in Ratnagiri
district. Mostly the mechanized boats at PFZ area have been increasing for
capture of pelagic and demersal fishes from time to time. The fisheries
sector occupies a very important place in the socio-economic development
along Ratnagiri district coast.
The Potential Fishing Zone advisory dissemination is becoming
familiar and topical amongst the fisher community along the Ratnagiri
district coast. There exists a lot of conventional wisdom amongst the
fishing community to identify fish shoals based on congregation of birds,
colour and smell of water bubbles hitting on the surface reflections from
the sea surface, mossy and oily water etc. The PFZ data acquired from
IRS-P4 Satellite are processed by INCOIS to retrieve chlorophyll images
and sea surface temperature images for the seas around us. During the
monsoon season PFZ advisories are not provided in view of the cloud
cover and more importantly since that season correspond to the breeding
season. Fishing is seasonal generally may last from September to May.
In general three major fishing gears have been operating such as
purse-seine, trawl and followed by gill net for capturing marine resources.
The traditional fishermen apply their sense at intensive fishing methods
throughout the fishing seasons, however receiving PFZ advisory in time.
Moreover, biodiversity is important for the future sustainability of marine
natural resources that comprise commercial fisheries. The development of
fisheries along Ratnagiri would depend on available facilities for natural
resources, climate, physical resources, improved new technology, growth
of fishing units and fishing areas and accepted new modern technology.
With the increasing number of fishing boats may lead to decline catch per
unit effort at the fishing grounds. To forecast marine ecosystem will
depend upon through their physical and biological processes which govern
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the abundance, distribution and productivity of the organisms in time and
space.
In addition there is an imperative measure to instruct the fishermen
in respect of PFZ dissemination information. It is further necessary to
exploit the potential fishery resources from within and outside PFZ zone to
know an authentic fish catch data for further scientific study. On the other
hand amongst fishermen due to increasing number of fishing boats formed
conflicts between larger and smaller fisher from different areas in Ratnagiri
district. In Maharashtra, October to December is the peak fishing season
when pomfrets are landed along with other demersal fishes. Different types
of gears are employed for the exploitation of the pomfret fishery such as
trawl and gill net has been predominant.
There is no proper record of the distribution of the various species
of pomfret, biochemical composition and histological work along Ratnagiri
coast. Pomfret contribute one of the main groups of table fish in India.
They are found everywhere in the tropical sea of the Indo-pacific region.
Though the pomfret occur all along the coast of India, the main areas of
abundance are Gujrat, Bombay coasts on the west coast and Orissa and
lower West Bengal on east coast. Of these, the major landings are from
Gujrat fish landings. The following three species contribute fishery in
Indian waters. Pampus argentius (Sliver pomfret), Pampus chinesis
(Chinese pomfret), Parastromateus niger (Black pomfret) Of the three
species the silver pomfret is most common P. niger is next in importance
and P. chinensis though common in east coast, is rare in west coast. Three
pomfrets are the major species found in both within and outside PFZ from
the fishing boats hired from fish landing centers at Harnai, Mirkarwada and
Sakhri-Natye. These species caught in small quantities upon validation of
PFZ advisory.
In total population of fishermen in the district is estimated around
70,000, out of which about 14,000 are active fishermen. The fishermen are
scattered in different fishing villages along the coast. At the most fisher
belongs to the Bhoi, Koli, Kharvi, Gabit, Muslim and Christian
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communities. Educational facilities to fishers children, the fisheries
department has established fisheries schools at Ratnagiri, Sakhri-Natye,
Mithbao and Tarkarli in Malvan. A strong linkages need to be established
between fishermen and scientist and fisheries research and training
institutions in respect of PFZ-Mission activity. Scanty knowledge on
pomfret fishery in within and outside PFZ is available with us but it is
exiguous.
In modern fisheries there is need to fully understand and study for
within and outside PFZ zone very clearly on many species for further
research. Mirkarwada, Harnai and then Sakhri-Natye in Ratnagiri district
form major pomfrets marine fish producing landing centers in fishing
operation by major gears as such purse-seine, trawl and gill net with respect
to quality of fish harvest. As fish provide vital source of commodity staple
food, inexpensive source of protein for both the rural and urban poor.
Fishing is one of the most important part and parcel of Ratnagiri district
and has a 167 km long coastline, in total 18 estuaries, comprise 12,095
hectare semi-marine spanning area of water is occupied. There are 104
fishing hamlets, fishermen community 67, 615; at the most commoner
fishermen rely for their livelihood from fishing activities. There are 42 fish
landing center, amongst these Mirkarwada is major fish landing center.
Harnai, Burondi, Dabhol, Navanagar, J aigad, Varvade, Padve, Sakhartar,
Kasarveli, Rajiwada, Sakhri-Natye, these all are also important fish landing
center. Present plight seeing of this landing center, number of increasing
fishing boats while plying through channel in and around landing center
seemed to be difficult due to low tide water mark during summer. The
fishing boats have to do its passage for plying on rhythms of high tide
during prosperous fishing period.
At fish landing center availability of fuel in time, freshwater tank,
ice, deep-freezing fish holds, boat repairing center, commerce facility is the
major requisite taken into consideration for fishermen community. After
landing took place by boats invalid fishes thrown into in and around
landing center it would lead ultimately to the pollution. In addition plastic
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pieces, waste diesel, dirty oil, bilge water, and faeces material directly
dumped in to the water. For the sustainable development in respect of
fishing of landing center of Ratnagiri district following pivotal issues are
taken into consideration viz. systematic landing of fishes caught, spacious
space to be reserve for extension of landing center. Prior to select site for
any fish landing center exploratory survey must be done, Geological
survey, coastline, information on bottom of sea, high tide, waves and tides,
Rain, seismic history, wind effect, depth of water, elevation of sand dunes
through fishing plying channel near landing center, erosion of coast,
commerce appliances, fish processing facility, deep freezers, freshwater,
Electricity, tidy fish market facility, number of fishing boats, size and
shape of fishing boats, fish availability in sea, safety fishing places, on the
whole of it must be studied so far thereafter advancement of fishery
business would be feasible. Safety fish landing and speedily distribution of
selling fish is an imperative.

Harnai : Presently lack of well constructed landing center so far, all
fishing boats are staying away in water and from thence with the help of
skiff boats fish catch have been brought to the landing and distributed to
different in and around villages in fresh form purely. At the expense of
such efforts fishermen are enduring great pain. Transportation of fish
landing catch seemed to be difficult. Present plight of halieutic activities
are restricted at a depth of 15-45m, where maximum living resources are
found in adequate. A well designed landing center is the priority for
transport of good number of fish catches consequently be resulting fish
production enhanced. All the three pomfrets used for biochemical analysis
were collected from the selected boats going for within and outside PFZ at
the same time required for plying from landing center. Mostly trawl
fishing boats are operated from harnai, thereafter followed by gill net and
Dol net at least in number. Pomfret esteemed as a highly protein rich
staple commodity amongst populace and formed bulk in trawl net catches
followed by gill net too. Active fisher involvement with energetically in
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receiving PFZ advisory in time. The number of meshes and mesh size
increases from cod end to mouth in general of trawl net. At the coastline of
Maharashtra Harnai (17
0
48N 73
0
05) in Ratnagiri has crop up emergence
as major fish producing center since past two decades. It was a natural port
from thence earlier in 1970, tourist boats were plying in between Mumbai
and Goa, during that period fishing boats used to halt there for berthing and
landing of fish. As usual it has become later on topical important fish
landing center.
The fisher folk of Harnai used to fish by gill net and occasionally
dol net. Commencement of trawling in Ratnagiri district was initiated in
early 1960s (Ranade and Waknis, 1965), after 1990s there was disparity in
fishery resources being conflict amongst fishermen. The present feedback
from fisher unearth that more number of fishes are being caught in within
than outside PFZ after validation of the PFZ advisory. There are 149
fishing boats which are exploited demersal marine resources, also adjacent
boats are operated from Harnai landing center. The trawlers in total 9 to
13m underneath wooden hull fitted with varying 30-60 BHP engines and
power winches. In particular fishing has been carried out for one or two
days fishing operated gear almost at 10-35m depth. The trawl net is about
20-25m long and 22m footrope with 50-70kg otter boards and 10-20mm
cod end mesh size. The mesh size varies from cod end to mouth. At day
time it took 2-3 hauls with a hauling duration period of 1 and to 3 hours.
The pomfret catch was maximum in November-December and upto March-
April comprising P. argenteus, P. chinensis and P. niger in both within and
outside PFZ. Three pomfrets were less found in both from within and
outside PFZ areas upon hiring the fishing boat after validation of PFZ
advisory during experiment carried out by trawl net operation. Probably in
November-December these fishes are occurred in an abundant in trawl net
as well in gill net operation with varying depth ranges between 10-50m.
In the view to popularize the research works on these pomfret
species to the commoner by knowing their nutritive values. Because a little
bit work might be carried out on such fishes throughout the Indian coast.
334
Perusal of literature unearthed exiguous firsthand information on the
biological aspects including growth and reproduction of these pomfrets
species. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the view to twig the
occurrence and importance of pomfret fishes from both within and outside
PFZ realm. Biochemical variations in November-December and March-
April, study on total fish catch, percent success (%), reduction in search
time and morphometric characters of some major economically important
fish species encountered during validation in different fishing gears along
Ratnagiri district coast.
In pomfrets females are larger than males in size when outwardly
seen, this experience came after dessected many species internally
examined with fully mature size range 25-35cm in length in selected
season.The single dorsal fin and anal fin almost seemed confluent with the
standard length of the total body length. Caudal fin is forked. Above the
lateral line body is having silvery-greyish lucent appearance mostly when
compared with throughout the body. Behind the operculum region, Pectoral
fin measured 5-7cm arises and reaches up to the half of the total body.
Mouth is located at the ventral side and somewhat obtuse. Slightly before
anal fin an excretory opening is there.
In males the testis are symmetrically placed and are attached to the
dorsal side of the abdominal cavity by the mesenteries, the mesoarchium.
Mature testis are milky white in colour and are paired, elongated, each
branched tubular structure which unite posteriorly in a common genital
duct lying between the alimentary canal and kidneys. Whereas the ovaries
are also paired, elongated situated along the median line just ventral to the
body cavity. The ovaries occupy nearly half of the abdominal cavity and
are attached by thin mesenteries; the ovary makes its firsthand appearance
near the vent and then develops anteriorly as the fish advances in length
and age. The two ovaries are joined at their base by short oviducts. When
matured they turn yellowish with a granular surface and are nearly round.
Both the lobes of the ovary are almost similar in size but in some case may
be the right one being slightly longer than the left.
335

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