India: Banning juvenile fishing yields results of 41% increase in threadfin breams

KOCHI, 20 July 2024: Implementation of the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) banning juvenile fishing has led to a 41% increase in the yield of threadfin breams in Kerala, indicating a positive output of the regulation. A study by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on threadfin breams found that the regulation led to an increase in the spawning stock biomass, standing stock biomass, yield and recruitment of this fish which is one of the fish species most affected by juvenile fishing. The study was presented at a stakeholder workshop organized by CMFRI to discuss various research findings of the institute with representatives of fishermen and those working in the allied sectors. In order to make the regulation more effective, the CMFRI suggested implementing the MLS across the value chain and strictly enforcing mesh size regulation of the fishing nets. Dr Grinson George, Head of the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division presided over the workshop. ...