Evaluation of remote-sensing-based potential fishing zones (PFZs) forecast methodology

Satellite-based potential fishing zones (PFZs) forecasts were generated using integration of Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) derived chlorophyll concentration and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) derived sea surface temperatures (SST). Validation of the PFZ forecasts was carried out during seasons 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 using Fishery Survey of India vessels. Bottom trawl catches were composed of mixed species from different habitats, i.e. demersal and pelagic. Hence, there is a need to understand the application of satellite-derived PFZs to different species types of fishery resources. The per cent contribution by species was determined from 30 m to 100 m depth range. Those species contributing 5 kg/haul and above were considered as a significant species. Species-wise catch per unit effort (CPUE), seasonal mean CPUE and standard deviation (SD) were computed for remotely sensed PFZs and the entire region. Species-wise comparisons were made between mean CPUE in PFZs and seasonal mean CPUE in other areas from a different habitat. It was observed that fishery resource of pelagic and water column habitats contributed fairly well as compared to the demersal resources in PFZs. The per cent contribution of pelagic and water column species were found more in PFZs catch as compared to the seasonal mean catch in other areas. In this study, diet composition and feeding habitat of fishes and its relationship to satellite-derived parameters have been evaluated.