FAD assisted fishing practice of Kerala: A review

Abstract

Padal fishing in backwaters of Kerala and Kolachel Fishery operating particularly for squids in marine waters are the known FAD assisted fishing practice of Kerala. It creates an artificial habitat for the feeding and breeding of fishes. The adult fishes aggregating around the FADs lay eggs underneath the FAD and thus the fishery mainly comprising the juveniles. It reduces the fish population drastically. And hence the non selective Kolachal fishing practice is now banned in Karnataka and a modified form of Padal fishing is practiced as a fish sanctuary, which can replenish the lost fish stock.