Economic viability and fuel consumption of the anchovy and sardine gillnets operated along the Mangaluru coast off Karnataka

Abstract

This research examines the economic sustainability and fuel efficiency of anchovy (Stolephorus indicus) and sardine (Sardinella longiceps) gillnets were evaluated through fisheries activities during January-September 2024 on the Karnataka coast off Mangaluru. The evaluation shows that operating sardine gillnets provides more stable and consistent financial returns than anchovy gillnets. During this study duration, sardine gillnets produced a gross revenue of ₹ 3,59,195.00 with net profits totalling ₹ 3,11,840.00, while anchovy gillnets brought in a gross revenue of ₹ 1,36,357.00 resulting in net profits of ₹ 96,557.00. Profitability trends demonstrated seasonal peaks for anchovy gillnets which surfaced between days 0 to 120 yet sardine gillnets showed steady profitability during the whole study period. The consumption of fuel for sardine gillnets spanned from 30.00 to 33.50 liters per trip at a range of 0.13 to 0.92 liters per kilogram of caught fish. The fuel usage of anchovy gillnets spans between 30.00 to 35.30 liters per trip and their fuel consumption per kilogram varies from 0.20 to 2.76 liters. The research indicates that sardine gillnets provide both reduced fuel expenditures along with enhanced economic long-term viability throughout the entire year. Selection of appropriate mesh sizes alongside fishing methods presents essential findings for reaching maximum fuel efficiency and profitability in small-scale fisheries.