OBSERVATIONS ON THE FISH SPECIES LANDED IN PFZ AND NON-PFZ REALM OFF RATNAGIRI COAST, MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA.

The PFZ maps contain certain information on major landing centres in each sector, bathymetry, latitude and longitude in addition to identified features of individual PFZ viz.latitude, longitude, depth, direction and distances from each landing centre. These integrated PFZ advisories are prepared in English, Hindi and other local languages. This information is elaborately explained and transformed to regional language while disseminating to the users. The total number of users as on today is approximately around 500 which are about 5% of boat owners off Ratnagiri caost. All the messages were systematically disseminated and explained to the fishermen in their villages and sometimes at fish landing centers during PFZ awareness campaigning programmes. It may be noted that the fishermen appreciated the very usefulness of PFZ advisories and exploited their benefit out of it. The main aim of PFZ Mission is to encourage to maximum use of PFZ advisory by the entire fishing community those are interested in receiving PFZ data under the PFZ services which is providing an authentic lowdown on fish abundance. The further intention is to meet the demands and needs of the fishermen population to their satisfaction level. This service has guaranteed to increase their income to subsist bread and butter and standard of living in a better way.