Heavy landing of juveniles of lizardfish Saurida undosquamis (Richardson) at Visakhapatnam

Abstract

Andhra Pradesh has a coastline of 974 km and continental shelf area of 33,227 km. The annual marine fish landings of the state ranged from 2,08,305 to 2, 33,900 t during 2006 to 2009 with an annual average landing of 2, 22,928 t. Highest catch of 2,33,900 t was observed in 2009 and lowest of 2,08,305 t in the year 2007. Among the demersal resources, lizardfish is one of the dominant group. Lizardfish is sold and consumed in both fresh and dried condition at Visakhapatnam and is preferred by poor people as a protein supplement and also used in value added products. Lizardfish is locally called ‘Badematta’ and it supports a regular fishery