Observations on the size groups of Penaeus indicus (Milne Edwards) in the commercial catches of different nets from the backwaters of Cochin

George, M J (1962) Observations on the size groups of Penaeus indicus (Milne Edwards) in the commercial catches of different nets from the backwaters of Cochin. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 9A (2). pp. 468-475.

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Abstract

With the establishment of the frozen shrimp industry in Cochin during the past few years the demand for large-sized prawns is ever on the increase both from the backwater as well as marine prawn fishery. Out of the three or four species of prawns contributing to the commercial fishery of the backwater area, Penaeus indicus is the most important species which is utilised in the frozen shrimp industry because of the comparatively larger size it attains in the backwater before migrating back to the sea. According to Menon and Raman (1961) the biggest prawns of this species caught in the stake nets of Cochin backwater measured between 130 and 140 mm. in total length. As a result this particular species is in great demand, especially the large-sized specimens. So with a view to determine the availability of the larger sizes of this species in the commercial catches throughout the year the catches were sampled and analysed regularly. The catches of the important types of nets employed in the fishery were analysed separately in order to find out the advantage, if any, in using a particular gear for obtaining the larger size groups required for the industry. The results of the study carried out during the four years 1955 to 1958 are presented here.

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