Comparative Analysis of Catch Efficiency and Seasonal Variations in Midwater Shark Longlining at Thengapattinam Fishing Harbour, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Midwater longlining, Shark fisheries, Catch per unit effort (CPUE), Species composition, Seasonal variation, ANOVA analysisThis study evaluates the catch efficiency, vessel specifications, and seasonal variations of midwater longlining for sharks at Thengapattinam Fishing Harbour, (8.2341° N, 77.2991° E) Tamil Nadu.The research focuses on Type A (fiberglass, 18-20 m, 180-200 HP) and type B (steel, 20-22 m, 200-240 HP) vessels, analyzing gear configurations, species composition, and catch per unit effort (CPUE).Results indicate that type B vessels outperform type A vessels in total catch and efficiency.Alopias spp.(thresher shark) dominated by weight, contributing 29.61% (type A) and 31.04%(type B), while Carcharhinus falciformis (silky shark) was the most abundant by number, making up 29.58% (type A) and 29.19% (type B).Seasonal trends reveal that pre-monsoon catches were highest, with type A landing 1,886 sharks (63,986 kg) and type B capturing 2,022 sharks (73,847 kg).Monsoon yields were lowest, with type A and type B vessels recording 537 sharks (18,187 kg) and 542 sharks (22,555 kg), respectively.CPUE analysis confirmed significantly higher productivity during soaking hours, with type A vessels attaining 1.79 fish/hour (57.58 kg/hour) and type B vessels achieving 1.648 fish/hour (61.60 kg/hour).ANOVA results showed significant differences in CPUE across months (F = 6.78, p < 0.001), species (F = 8.13, p < 0.001), and seasons (F = 14.12, p < 0.001).The study highlights the operational advantages of type B vessels while emphasizing the importance of sustainable fishing practices.Selective fishing techniques and seasonal regulations could enhance conservation efforts while maintaining economic viability for fishers.
Source: Pakistan Journal of Zoology
Authors: Archana Sethuraj, Neethiselvan Neethirajan, Padmavathy Pandurangan, Ravikumar Thangaraj, Uma Maheswari Thavasiyandi, Manikandan Boominathan, Durai Varatharajan, Mohammed Faizullah, Sundareswari Dhanabalan, Ferolin Jessina George
Institution: Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalitha Fisheries University
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412637981