"Whitebait Resources of India
I. Introduction
1. *Definition*: Small pelagic fishes
2. *Importance*: Significant fishery in India
II. Species Composition
1. *Main species*: 10 species occur in Indian seas
- Encrasicholina devisi
- E. heterolobus
- E. punctifer
- Stolephorus andhraensis
- S. baganensis
- S. commersonii
- S. dubiosus
- S. indicus
- S. insularis
- S. waitei
2. *Dominant species*: E. devisi, S. bataviensis, E. punctifer, S. commersonii, S. indicus, S. baganensis
III. Distribution and Migration
1. *Distribution*: Tropical waters worldwide, including Indian coasts
2. *Areas*: Found in areas with bottom depths of 10-50 m
3. *Diurnal vertical migration*: Whitebaits migrate vertically during the day
4. *Seasonal movements*: Related to transport of water masses
IV. Fishery
1. *Importance*: Significant fishery in India, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh
2. *Catches*: Estimated annual catches: 0.23-0.52 million tonnes
3. *Seasonal variations*: Catches vary by season, with peak catches in October-February
V. Biology
1. *Life span*: Approximately 2 years
2. *Food*: Zooplankton feeders
3. *Breeding*: Spawn intermittently throughout the year
4. *Migration*: Diurnal and seasonal migrations
VI. Exploitation
1. *Fishing methods*: Trawl, purse seine, and chumming
2. *Processing*: Fresh, frozen, dried, canned, or reduced to fish meal/powder
3. *Utilization*: Human consumption, animal feed, and export
VII. Problems and Prospects
1. *Handling and processing*: Large quantities pose problems
2. *Market demand*: Strong demand for fish powder and other processed products
3. *Export potential*: Significant export market in South East Asia and Africa
VIII. Research and Development
1. *Pelagic Fishery Project*: Conducted research on whitebait fishery
2. *Integrated Fisheries Project*: Developed fish powder production technology
3. *Central Institute of Fisheries Technology*: Developed artificial driers and canning technology
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