| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2.2-0003 |
| Title of Abstract | Marine Fishery Resources of Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
| Authors | N. Karthik*, S. Shamini, S. Felix |
| Organisation | College of Fisheries Science, DIFST, Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
| Address | Amanattantheri, Enayam(Post), Kanniyakumari Kanniyakumari, Tamilnadu, India Pincode: 629193 E-mail: karthiknarayanan329@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The marine fisheries of Kanyakumari District, located in Tamil Nadu, are an essential component of the local economy and the livelihoods of the fishing community. The district has a 72 km coastline, home to 42 fishing villages and 45 fish landing sites. Key harbors, including Thengapattanam, Chinnamuttom, Colachel, and Jeppiar, act as vital centers for fish landing, auctioning, and associated activities. These harbors are crucial for the economic activity of the local population engaged in fisheries. Fishing in Kanyakumari is diverse, with both traditional and mechanized methods being employed. The community harvests a wide variety of fish, including commercially important pelagic species like sardines and mackerels, seer fish, Tuna, as well as demersal fish such as Elasmobranches, grouper, snapper, pomfret. These species are of high commercial value and contribute significantly to the regional fishery economy. In addition to nearshore fisheries, the district¿s deep-sea fisheries, especially in Thothoor, target valuable species such as tuna. Specialized techniques, including the use of long-line fishing methods for tuna, form an important part of the fishing practices in this area. These methods support high-value fish production, further boosting the local economy. Sustainable fishing practices are of utmost importance in Kanyakumari's fisheries. The hook-and-line method, used primarily for shark fishing in Thoothoor, serves as an example of an eco-friendly technique that maintains ecological balance while ensuring the community's continued livelihood. Such practices, coupled with effective resource management, are vital for the sustainability of marine resources and improving the socio-economic status of the fishing community. This paper outlines the diverse marine fisheries resources of Kanyakumari, highlighting the fishing methods, species caught, challenges faced by the community, and the importance of sustainable fisheries management for the future of the district¿s marine economy. |
| Keywords | Marine Fisheries, Kanyakumari District, Fishing Methods, Sustainable Fisheries and Economic Impact. |