FSI locates rich grounds for perches in Andaman

Port Blair, July 6: MFV Blue Marlin, the Survey Vessel of Fishery Survey of India, has conducted perch resources survey by operating bottom-set vertical long line in and around Andaman group of islands.

''During the 20-day survey period, which was carried out recently, 5 squares of Lat 10 N X Long 10 E, both in western and eastern part of the islands were recovered,'' FSI Zonal Director a Anrose told reporters today.

Anrose said that during the survey, the highest catch of 15 numbers of perches were shored in a single set of operation in the area like 4-5 miles north-east off Diglipur.

The perch resources caught were snappers locally known as Mirgal and groupers known as Gobra and emperors locally known as Kushal. A new area in the western part of the islands was also located 3-4 miles off Mayabunder. In this area in a single branch line, three Gobras weighing about 3 kg each were caught, he said.

He said the species caught were of great value in the market for export and local consumption. The fishing grounds are also easily approachable to the fishermen of the islands. The local fishermen can venture into the area for harvesting the resources by operating hand line or bottom set vertical long line for their better earnings, the Zonal Director added.

UNI