Evaluation of the In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS): comparison with the traditional (bongo net) sampler

Plankton and larval fish sampling programs often are limited by a balance between sampling frequency (for precision) and costs. Advancements in sampling techniques hold the potential to add considerable efficiency and, therefore, add sampling frequency to improve precision. We compare a newly developed plankton imaging system, In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS), with a bongo sampler, which is a traditional plankton sampling gear developed in the 1960s. Comparative sampling was conducted along 2 transects ~30–40 km long. Over 2 days, we completed 36 ISIIS tow-yo undulations and 11 bongo oblique tows, each from the surface to within 10 m of the seafloor. Overall, the 2 gears detected comparable numbers of larval fishes, representing similar taxonomic compositions, although larvae captured with the bongo were capable of being identified to lower taxonomic levels, especially larvae in the small (<5 mm), preflexion stages. Size distributions of the sampled larval fishes differed considerably between these 2 sampling methods, with the size range and mean size of larval fishes larger with ISIIS than with the bongo sampler. The high frequency and fine spatial scale of ISIIS allow it to add considerable sampling precision (i.e., more vertical sections) to plankton surveys. Improvements in the ISIIS technology (including greater depth of field and image resolution) should also increase taxonomic resolution and decrease processing time. When coupled with appropriate net sampling (for the purpose of collecting and verifying the identification of biological samples), the use of ISIIS could improve overall survey design and simultaneously provide detailed, process-oriented information for fisheries scientists and oceanographers.

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.

Socioeconomic conditions of traditional fishermen of Vitava village in Thane district

Maharashtra stands third in fish production in India, with an estimated annual landings of 3.32 lakhs tonnes (1986-87). About 45% of the fishermen are directly involved in fishing. Mechanisation has boosted fish production resulting in gainful employment and higher incomes to fishermen. However, traditional fishermen along Thane creek and who entirely depend on fishing for their livelihood are comparatively poor due to their dependence on subsistence fishing and reduction of fish stock due to pollution of the creek. Conservation of the resources, proper monitoring of pollution and financial assistance and guidance will help the fishermen improve their living conditions.

Water quality management on the enhancement of shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fab.) production in the traditional and improved-traditional ghers of Bangladesh

On-farm research on enhancement of P. monodon production through water quality management was carried out in five ghers of Paikgacha, Khulna. Based on the prevailing condition of the ghers, lime in the form of CaCO(sub 3), urea and TSP were used as the major inputs to minimize the soil-water acidity and to ensure the availability of natural food particles in the water bodies. Exchange of water at required level also practiced for the qualitative improvement of culture water. Ghers of varying sizes showed that water quality management and fertilization have a positive impact on production performance of P. monodon (61.59% increment) that yielded an average production of 385.43 kg/ha/crop against the present traditional rate of 238.50 kg/ha/year.

A participatory study of the traditional knowledge of fishing communities in the Gulf of Mannar, India

This is the first in a series of case studies undertaken by the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) to document the traditional knowledge of fishing communities dependent on marine and coastal resources in protected and conserved areas in different parts of the world. The study, done with the support of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) project, documents the traditional knowledge of fishing communities in the Gulf of Mannar in the state of Tamil Nadu. It focuses on two fishing villages, Chinnapalam and Bharathi Nagar, whose communities have traditionally depended on Krusadai and Appa Islands for their livelihood. Traditional knowledge relating to oceanographic, meteorological, biological, ecological and navigational aspects of fisheries was documented. The study will be useful for researchers, students, scientists, policymakers, fishworker organizations, NGOs and anyone interested in the traditional knowledge of local fishing communities related to marine biodiversity and the customary use of fisheries resources and fishing practices.

Evaluation of biochemical characteristics of a traditional salt fermented fish product of northeast India with special reference to its flavour components

'Lona ilish', is a traditional salt fermented fish product, widely consumed and very popular in north-east part of India and Bangladesh. It is prepared exclusively from a high fat fish, Hilsa (Tenualosa) ilisha. 'Lona ilish' was prepared in the laboratory following traditional process. After 150 days of fermentation, a better quality 'lona ilish' was obtained. Biochemical characteristics of market sample was estimated and compared with the laboratory prepared one. A variation in biochemical composition was observed. Sensory quality of the final product of laboratory prepared 'lona ilish' was compared with the market sample and found that the laboratory prepared product scored better than the market sample. The moisture (49.89%) and salt (15.48%) of the final product was found to be satisfactory for stability of the 'lona ilish' at ambient temperature. Analysis of volatile compounds of 'lona ilish' was done using GC-MS. It was concluded that, aldehydes, ketones and esters may possibly contribute characteristic aromas to the overall flavour of the salt fermented hilsa.

Comparative study of traditional and improved containers for transportation of fresh fish

Traditional bamboo basket and expanded polystyrene insulated plywood box (second hand tea-chest) were compared for transportation of iced marine, fresh water and brackish water fishes from Kakinada to Madras by rail. Quality of fish at dispatching and receiving centres was assessed by organoleptic, total volatile nitrogen (TVN) and total bacterial count (TBC) tests. Based on the results obtained and the prices fetched, the traditional bamboo basket apart from being cheaper was found to be as good as expanded polystyrene insulated plywood box for short distance transportation of iced fish involving less than 24 hours journey.