Coastal management to protect the fisheries resources of Gujarat coast - a case study

Gujarat, a unique maritime state has the longest coastline of 1 ,663 km length and characterized by presence of two gulfs namely the Gulf of Kachchh and the Gulf of Khambhat. The four major rivers of Gujarat (Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada and Tapti) discharged 70387 Mm3IYear to the Gulf of Khambhat as of 1975. Since then several dams have been constructed on these rivers and their tributaries reducing the volumes of the outflow. It can, safely be assumed that the outflow of nutrient-laden silt from these rivers has, also reduced proportionately/ significantly changing the hydrological cycles