Exploratory fishing by R.V. VARUNA

The rapid strides taken in the development of mechanised fishing fleet for fishing beyond the 5 to 10 kilometre traditional fishing limits in our waters are to some extent due to the encouraging results of exploratory otter trawlings carried out in earlier years. As pathfinders in these exploratory surveys, special mention should be made of the work done by the ‘GOLDEN CROWN’ (1908-11), “WILLIAM CARRICK” (1921-22), and “LADY GOSCHEN” (1927-30). The results obtained from these and other vessels have been documented on a number of reports (Anon. 1931, 1962; Chidambaram, 1953; Hefford, `1949; John et al., 1959; Raj 1933; and Sorely, 1948). More recently, Rao (1969) has ably analysed and summarised the results of exploratory fishing carried out by many vessels including those of the Deep Sea Fishing Stations of the Government of India during the last 20 years.