A note on Acetes fishery at Murdeswar bay, Karnataka during May, 2006

Acetes indicus is the most common shrimp species occurring in south-west coast of India and the largest among commercially important sergestids, attaining a maximum size of 40 mm. It occurs in vast shoals in mid-water or near the surface mainly in the inshore waters. Along Karnataka coast, though there is no regular fishery for Acetes, it is occasionally caught in good quantities during September-October. The species forms important part of the food of all carnivorous fishes of this coast. Murdeswar bay of the Karnataka coast provides a safe place for berthing indigenous crafts. During May 2006, a shoal of Acetes entered into the bay, resulting in good catch for the local fishermen. Dried Acetes fetches Rs. 100 to 150 per kg in wholesale market and they can be stored for long time in air tight containers and will be sold for higher rates, when the demand for this product is at its peak