Fishery, biology and stock of the Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta off Mangalore-Malpe in Karnataka, India

The Indian mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta constitutes one of the most important marine fish- ery resources along Mangalore-Malpe coast. Annual average production was 9,700 t during 1997/98 to 2001/02. Since a number of gears are in operation the resource is landed through- out the year. The fishery showed a steady decline and the production was lowest during 2001 / 02. Environmental factors together with high exploitation levels seem to have caused the sharp decline in the catch. Growth parameters estimated were LU= 307 mm and K = 1.8/yr. Total mortality observed was 7.63 and natural mortality 2.63. The resource at present is being exploited at a level (present E = 0.66) higher than optimum (Emax= 0.588) indicating greater fishing pressure than sustainable levels. Appropriate management measures are discussed for preventing further deterioration of the stock