Revival of fishery of the thinspine sea catfish, Arius tenuispinis at Mumbai, Maharashtra

Abstract

Catfish landings by trawlers in Mumbai comprise of three major species viz., Arius dussumieri, Osteogeneiosus militaris and Arius caelatus with A. dussumeri, forming approximately 30-35% of the landings. However, of late the landings of Arius tenuispinis has showed an unusual upward trend at New Ferry Wharf, Mumbai and the species is observed in the catch almost throughout the year. Analysis of A. tenuispinis catch data from New Ferry Wharf during the period 1987 to 2012 clearly indicates collapse of the fishery of this species, showing signs of subsequent revival