FSI finds Tuna fish in abundance in Andaman Sea

Port Blair, Oct 22 (UNI) The Fisheries Survey of India have once again found Tuna fish in abundance in the Andaman waters, especially in the eastern part of Car Nicobar Islands.

A 20-day survey by the FSI carried out recently has come out with this finding.

The FSI's long line Tuna survey vessel, MFV Blue Marlin carried out the survey of oceanic tuna and allied resources by immersing 6,875 hooks in the eastern part of Nicobar group of the Islands, A Anrose, Zonal Director, Fisheries Survey of India(FSI) told reporters in Port Blair today.

The Director added that during the survey, the yellow fin Tuna locally called as Khatta bangadi was recorded from the areas eastern side of Car Nicobar and south east of Nancowry group of lslands and further south east of Nancowry group of lslands.

''The highest catch of three yellow fin Tunas had been caught in a single set (625 hooks) in south east area of Nancowry group of Islands. The size of the recorded Tuna was between 138 cm and 160 cm, weighing between 30 and 65 kgs each,'' he said.

Besides, Sail fish, locally called Hawa bill machili and Shark locally known as Badmash machili were also recorded from the survey area, the Director added.

Since the tsunami, the FSI had been conducting various surveys and researches to revamp the fishery industry in these tsunami-ravaged islands. In the past, the FSI had conducted similar tests with its vessel Blue Marlin, in Indian water.

Incidentally, as of now, only two companies have shown interest in Tuna fishing from Andaman Sea, which according to the FSI have abundant Marine resources.

UNI