The relative magnitudes of pelagic and demersal Groups of fishes in the total landings at sasoon dock In 1971 and 1981 — a comparison

Abstract

The contribution of pelagic fishes to the total landings at Sassoon Dock, Bombay, registered a decline from 31.4% in 1971 to 18.1% in 1981, mainly due to a fall in landings of the bombayduck. The corresponding increase in the contribution of the demersal fishes was due to increase in the catches of penaeids and the species that are caught in association with them, such as sciaenids, elasmobranchs, catfishes, threadfin breams and cephalopods. This significant change in contribution was mainly the result of addition of a large number of trawlers. Also, probably finding the bombayduck resources declining, and attracted by the more lucrative prawn fishery, many dol-net units were converted into trawling units.