PRAWN FISHERIES OF KUTCH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SUKHPER AND LAKHPAT

The annual prawn landing of Kutch was estimated to be 1021.5 tonnes during 1973-74. Metapemieus kutchemis (George et al) was major constituent in prawn landing at Cherowari, Sukhper and Lakhpat areas of the Little Rann of Kutch. Female percentage was higher than male percentage in the catch. Flatbottom boat and gunia are used mainly for prawn fishing in these areas. M. brevicornis (iMilne Edwards) was significant in prawn landing during winter (November-February) at Takara (Tuna) and Bhadreswar areas.