The Artisanal Reef Fishery on Agatti Island, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India

The main features and characteristics of the subsistence reef fishery in Agatti island, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, are described based on information obtained through participatory fish catch monitoring over one and a half years in 2006-7. The overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) recorded was 1.66±0.07 kg per person per day (± standard error of the mean), based on data from 3030 fishing events. Considerable variation in CPUE was observed in particular between gears, but also between landing zones and to some extent time of year. The total annual catch from the reef fishery was estimated at over 56 metric tons, harvested from a lagoon area of 12 km. Almost half of this total catch is obtained from the 2% of the catches larger than 20kg, much of it using the more indiscriminate gears available on the island such as large-scale dragnets (local name bala fadal). While the data does not support conclusive statements on the sustainability of the fishery it is clear that the importance of the reef fishery for the local population as a source of household income and food remains high, and growth in exploitation seems likely in view of the demographic structure of the island as well as a developing reef fishery for export markets. Some recommendations are provided with respect to the management challenge this poses.