Report on the biology of Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti and the development of its fishery in California

Hagfish, often referred to as "slime eels", are familiar to most fishermen as pests that frequently devour fish caught by trap, hook, and gillnet. In the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea), however, hagfish are sought after as valuable fish not only for their edible flesh, but also for their skin, which is processed into leather used to make expensive purses, shoes, and other articles. In fact, because of a shortage of hagfish in the waters near the ROK, the leather industry there has started to import hagfish, first from Japan in the mid 1980's, then from the United States starting in 1988. This report describes the nascent fishery for Eptatretus stouti (Pacific hagfish) in California, and includes aspects of its life history. The hagfish industry in the ROK is also briefly described.

Contribution of zooplankton to the fishery potential of some environments

Difference in zooplankton production in estuarine, coastal and oceanic realms of the Indian Ocean has been correlated to the fishery potential of the concerned area. In the estuarine habitat the estimated rate of secondary production can not sustain a fishery of the present magnitude. Direct correlation between fish landing and zooplankton is observed in the coastal waters. Compared to coastal waters zooplankton standing stock is low in the open ocean and this low production is compensated by a wider area. The estimated fishery potential of the ocean is much more than what is being exploited.

A study on the trend of sports fishery of Mafia Island (Tanzania) along the East African coast from 1961-1972

Mafia waters in the western Indian Ocean on the east coast of Africa is a natural attractive area for fishing. It has extensive coral beds which harbour good fish life and attracts sport fishery in the area. About 12 commercially important fishes listed are caught by sports fishermen. The data indicates that this area can become an attractive centre for sports fishery almost throughout the year with peak season from November to February. Long-term planning of the fishery is necessary. The conservation measures should be evolved and gan fishing, dynamiting or any other kind of distructive fishing should be prohibited. This area has natural potential to become a sports fishing centre in the future and a great attraction for tourists and anglers.

A preliminary study on the fishery resources of the mangrove swamps of Sundarbans, West Bengal

West Bengal holds an important position in fisheries development as the state has all types of captive, culture freshwater and brackish water fisheries. A survey of forest areas of Sundarbans indicates the total annual catch to be 2500 metric tonnes. On average 4,000 persons are engaged in daily fishing with 1.5 kilogrammes of fish catch per fisherman per day and during the 6 months from September to February on an average 6,000 persons are engaged in fishing. About 70% of total catch of fish is collected during this period. Statistical analysis of the data collected for the study has clearly indicated that a rational and scientific exploitation of fish species inhabiting the rivers and creeks of Sundarbans estuary has immense economic potentialities.

Zooplankton biomass along the west coast of India and its effect on the fishery

The coastal zone along the west coast of India is very productive with a mean secondary production rate of 5.89 mg C/m super(3)/day. Statewise, maximum zooplankton standing stock was observed off Maharashtra. The existing yield of fishery from the surveyed region has been compared with the estimated sustainable fishery potential.

Biological productivity and fishery potential in the coastal waters off Bombay

Fishery potential of the nearshore waters of Bombay is estimated from the observed values of biological productivity at different trophic levels. The rate of primary and secondary production is relatively higher in the polluted coastal waters of Versova, Mahim and Thana. Observed mean benthic standing stock in the polluted creek waters is far less than the relatively unpolluted coastal regions off Bombay. Results suggest that the higher productivity at the lower trophic levels due to pollution, may not end up with high tertiary production. Therefore, such polluted regions are to be classified as special ecosystems where the transfer coefficient may be far less than the assumed 10% conversion factor.

Traditional fishing methods of Lakshadweep

Economy of the Lakshadweep islanders depends mainly on coconut farming and fishing. About 30-40% of the population are full time fishermen. Some of the fishing methods practised by the islanders are still traditional, Tuna forms the main established fishery of the island. Pole and line fishing is the most effective fishing method for surface tuna shoals. Most of the traditional fishing operations prevailing in the islands are unique and conducted during neap tides only.