The trawl fishery of the Eastern Arabian Sea

The trawl catch is showing an increasing trend all along Indian coast, which is contributing highly to the economy of the country. Research programs are being conducted for resources conservation and sustainability of production in trawl fisheries. The changes in fishing technology and catch characteristics, like pelagic trawl introduction, introduction of high speed engines, bycatch issues and juvenile fishery are monitored and discussed in various forums organized by government of India. Such awareness and participatory programs are also yielding socially acceptable solutions for many of the issues. The closure of fishery during monsoon is earnestly followed by the trawl fishery. The debate is going on for introduction of new ban period and/ extension of existing ban period in various fora.