Impacts of Traditional Shore Seine Operation along the Tuticorin Coast, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast India

Fishing pressure on marine ecosystems has increased drastically all over the world, especially in developing countries and particularly in India. Shore seine, a traditional fishing method, involves bottom trawling which makes huge impact on the ecosystems and consequently on fishing yield. It was observed that important habitats such as seagrasses and coral reefs are affected severely by this shore seine operation. Most of the catch was observed to be juvenile in nature or very small in size. Immediate measures are needed to check this operation by creating awareness among the fishermen coupled with providing alternative livelihood options.