Kochi, July 20 (IANS): Implementation of the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) banning juvenile fishing has led to a 41 per cent increase in the yield of threadfin breams in Kerala, points out a study done by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

The study on threadfin breams found that the regulation led to an increase in the spawning stock biomass, standing stock biomass, yield and recruitment of this fish which is one of the fish species most affected by juvenile fishing.

The study was presented at a stakeholder workshop organised by CMFRI to discuss various research findings of the institute with representatives of fishermen and those working in the allied sectors.

In order to make the regulation more effective, the CMFRI suggested implementing the MLS across the value chain and strictly enforcing mesh size regulation of the fishing nets.

“Curbing juvenile fishing could be more beneficial to the marine fisheries sector and would save the species from the threat of extinction. Over the past seven years, it is estimated that the sector incurred a loss of Rs 1,777 crore due to the juvenile fishing of five species, namely threadfin breams, oil sardines, lizard fish, squid and groupers.

“Estimated average annual loss for fishing young ones of these fishes amounts to Rs. 216 crores,” the report said.

It also revealed that 70 per cent of sharks, which are not covered under the MLS, caught along the Kerala coast are below the breeding size.