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The Indian EEZ is about 2.8% of the surface area of the Indian Ocean. As per IOTC, from the Indian Ocean in the year 1970 harvested 41,813 tons of Yellowfin tuna whereas from the Indian seas only 600 tons of Yellowfin tuna. During 70’s Tuna is one of the least exploited resources of Indian Seas, the average catch of Yellowfin tuna for 1970-79 period being 1,768 tons and skipjack tuna 1,191tons. The peak production of Yellowfin tuna of 3720 tons and skipjack 2396 tons was reordered in 1979. Exploration and exploitation of the oceanic tuna resources in the areas over the past four decades have shown that the tuna resources in the area consists of Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), the Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and Skipjack tuna (Kastuwonus pelamis).In Lakshadweep islands, Skipjack tuna and a small fraction of juvenile Yellowfin tuna which enters the surface water are caught by pole and lines and troll lines.
The analysis of the average tuna catch during the 80’s is 7,657 tons and also the survey result revealed that from September to March is the highly productive season.
In Indian waters for the last two decades, the oceanic tuna catch is in the increasing trend with minor fluctuations. The last three years from 2010 (21,215 tons) to 2012 (31,464 tons) there is an increase in trend observed. The highest catch of Yellowfin tuna was observed during 2012.
The present paper deals with exploration and exploitation of oceanic tuna resources in the Indian EEZ and contiguous oceanic water based on the oceanic resources survey carried out by Fishery Survey of India.
