Diversity, occurrence and socio-economic aspects of snappers and job fish (Family: Lutjanidae) fisheries from Gulf of Mannar region, south-east coast of India

Survey were conducted in nine fish landing centres (Pamban South, Mandapam South, Keelakarai, Ervadi, Vembar, Tharuvaikulam, Thirespuram, Tuticorin and Amalinagar) along the Gulf of Mannar region to assess the diversity, catch rate of snappers and job fishes caught in different fishing gears. A total of thirty species of fishes belonging to the family Lutjanidae (snappers and job fishes) were identified which belonged to five genera viz., Lutjanus, Pinjalo, Aphareus, Etelis and Pristipomoides. Highest species diversity was observed in the gear, coral reef fish trap (24 species), followed by hook and line (21 species). Principal Component Analysis revealed four typical groups based on the fish species caught from five different gears. Fishes caught in hook & line, shrimp trawl net and fish trawl net formed individual group, whereas coral reef fish trap and bottom set gill net together formed another group. Mean CPLTE values for the observed fishing practices varied significantly and the value were higher in the Fish trawl net (107 +/- 33.5 kg/fishing trip). Sharing pattern of the fishery resources among the crew members varied between fishing villages and fishing practices.