Estimation of Fishery Resources by Sonar Surveys

Abstract

The methodology adopted by the Pelagic Fishery Project, Cochin for surveying the surface fish schools with sonar equipment, is described. The estimates of the biomass arrived at from the surveys conducted during 1975-'78 are presented. Estimation of fishery resources is important as the magnitude of the standing stock determines the fishing effort to be expended, as also the period and area for this purpose. In recent times electronic instruments are being extensively used in this estimation. Vessels fitted with the instruments scan the coasts to locate and estimate the different varieties of comrnercially important fishes.