Intensive validation studies of potential fishing zone (PFZ) advisories generated using integration of ocean colour monitor
(OCM) derived chlorophyll concentration and advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) derived sea surface
temperatures (SST) were undertaken by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) along Kerala
coast during the period 2003-2011. There is a positive relationship between PFZ advisories and occurrence/abundance of
commercially important pelagic fishes such as oilsardine, Indian mackerel, anchovies, carangids and coastal tunas. Fishing
operations undertaken on or closer to dates on which related SST/chlorophyll images have been received yielded positive
results. As the gap increases, the yield within PFZ is likely to come down unless the features remain more or less in the same
location as revealed by succeeding satellite imagery. The present paper revealed that the fish catch (CPUE) and net profit
earned are higher within PFZ compared to the results of operations outside PFZ. The usefulness of PFZ advisories, the only
short term marine fishery forecast available in the country for fisherfolk towards obtaining comparatively higher catch per
unit effort for the above mentioned major pelagics is proved beyond doubt from the results of more than 100 controlled
experiments conducted within and outside PFZ with identical fishing gear along Kerala coast