PANAJI
Shevto, that was only last year classified as the State fish has since seen a remarkable rise in catch with a total of 447 tonnes for the year 2016 alone. This is an 18 tonne increase in its catch and sale.
The steep rise in the inland fish production of shevto came in 2015 when it went up by around 200 tonnes from 230 tonnes in 2014 to 429 tonnes. Among inland fish for 2016, however, prawns was the highest catch with a total of 770 tonnes consisting of big, medium and small sizes.
Earlier, with an average catch of 280 tonnes per annum, mullets contributed to seven percent of the total inland fish production along Goa.
With an increased catch this year of 447 tonnes, the grey mullet now accounts for 10 percent of the total inland fish production in the State.
Mugli Cephalus, called stripped grey mullet is usually found in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. In Goa it is usually found in estuarine and brakish waters and reaches a maximum total length of 100 centimeters but generally grow between 40 and 50 centimeters in length.
They are usually found in schools over sand or mud bottoms and are known to have high quality protein, essential amino acids and fatty acids. Monsoons are usually the best seasons for catching the mullet.
The State government based on an ICAR report declared the fish as the State fish owing to its availability and distribution as well as its commercial value.
The report however says the utilization of the species in Goa is incomplete as it is commonly used only for traditional preparations and fresh consumption.
“The value of the fish at landing and retail points has been increasing since the last few years. As this species contributes significantly to the coastal fisheries of Goa, the precious resource should be conserved by different management approaches with the limitation of effort, regulation of mesh size and adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices.
