Collaborative multi-stakeholder approach for preliminary exploratory trials of mesopelagic resources in the Indian EEZ

Thomas, Sujitha and Remesan, M P and Rajesh, K M and Akhilesh, K V and Viswambharan, Divya and Sunil Kumar, S Ali and Sulochanan, Bindu and Prajith, K K and Kizhakudan, Shoba Joe and Padua, Shelton and Jeyakumari, A and Anas, K K and Ganga, U and Shinoj, P and Remya, L and Wilson, Livi and Jayasankar, J and Laly, S J and Sreepriya, P and Ranjit Kumar, N and Ashik, P S and Nadhiya, T B and Akhila, U A and Luhai, Abdul and Ninan, George and George, Grinson (2026) Collaborative multi-stakeholder approach for preliminary exploratory trials of mesopelagic resources in the Indian EEZ. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 73 (3). pp. 1-11. ISSN 0970-6011

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Abstract

This study reports findings from preliminary commercial trials conducted in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to explore the commercial potential of mesopelagic resources in the south-eastern Arabian Sea along the Karnataka coast. Two modified commercial multiday trawl vessels equipped with navigation and fish detection systems conducted 15 midwater trawl hauls at depths of 300-800 m, during night time over a three-month period (January, April, and May 2025). The trials employed a midwater trawl with a 70 m headline, 45 mm mesh, and 20 mm codend mesh, specifically designed for mesopelagic operations, targeting species exhibiting diel vertical migration. A participatory framework involving fishers, boat owners, and industry stakeholders, was adopted to improve operational efficiency, facilitate technology adoption, and support value-chain development. The fishing trials yielded a species-rich catch comprising 40 species belonging to 38 families and 20 orders, with Ophidiidae (23.32%), Pentanchidae (15.94%), and Trachichthyidae (15.05) being dominant families. The average catch per haul was ±1.8 t, with a catch catch rate of approximately 120 kg h-1. Surface water parameters indicated low chlorophyll a concentrations and variable dissolved oxygen levels. Operational and management challenges included gear failures, post-harvest spoilage due to the fragile nature of several species and i nadequate cold storage facilities. Jellyfish bycatch was observed as an important operational and ecological challenge. Modifications to fishing gear such as the use of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVC) floats, improved gear resilience during deep water operations. Overall, the study highlights the opportunity for further exploration of mesopelagic resources in India’s deep waters, while emphasising the need for further gear innovation, sy stematic abundance mapping, targeted ecological research, and con tinued stakeholder collaboration, for sustainable development.

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