report of the working group on improvement of banking services

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trade with an annual size <strong>of</strong> US $2.25 billion. However, striking a balance between conservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lagoon
resources and its sustainable use need careful planning and community participation.
Developmental Issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UTL Fisheries
Skipjack Fishery
5.9 The pole & line fishery for Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) will continue to be <strong>the</strong> major economic
activity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UTL considering <strong>the</strong> traditional linkages and <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> people involved in this sector. In
order to maximise <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>itability <strong>of</strong> this fishery, <strong>the</strong> upgradation <strong>of</strong> craft and gear is an immediate priority. The
introduction <strong>of</strong> Malddevian type pole & line boats with higher operational efficiency will speed up <strong>the</strong>
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Skipjack fishery. Establishment <strong>of</strong> more FADs, facilities for availability <strong>of</strong> satellite based
information on <strong>the</strong> Skipjack shoal movements in each island need to be ensured. A community based lagoon
management system is required to sustain <strong>the</strong> stocks <strong>of</strong> bait-fishes at safe levels. Similarly, non-availability <strong>of</strong>
<strong>working</strong> capital is said to be a major reason for <strong>the</strong> skipjack fishermen to depend on traders / middlemen from
mainland resulting in low price realisation. Satellite based information on potential fishing zone (PFZ) around
<strong>the</strong> islands being supplied by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad is
made available to <strong>the</strong> fishermen in all islands on regular basis.
Oceanic Fishery
5.10 Yellowfin Tunas, Sharks, Perches, Seer Fishes, deep sea Lobsters and Cephalopods are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
most important and valuable resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lakshadweep sea which can change <strong>the</strong> UTL economy. Modern
vessels with all facilities for Long lining are required for harvesting Yellowfin Tunas which are fast swimmers
and transcontinental migrators. Specialised vessels with facilities to operate Large mesh Drifting Gill nets, Troll
lines are required for fishing Sharks, Seers, Baraccudas. Valuable Perches and Cephalopods can be caught
with vessels capable <strong>of</strong> setting Traps and Jigs in oceanic waters. For successful operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se specialised
crafts shore based supporting infrastructure need to be developed.