Coastal currents off Mangalore and the possibility of their relationship with pelagic fish catches in the area

Abstract

Coastal currents off Mangalore along the west coast of India have been measured for 2 yr using a specially fabricated float and drag system. The currents are directed towards north from October to February and towards south in April and May along this coast. March appears to be the transition period. The strength of the current varies from month to month. Northerly current seems to favour good catches of oil sardine and mackerel, and poor catches are associated with the starting of the southerly current. Magnitude of the current also appears to have some influence on the pelagic fish catch.