Research Projects

The proposed research aims to address critical gaps in understanding shark and ray fisheries in Tamil Nadu, focusing on landing patterns, fishing practices, market dynamics, and environmental health, particularly pollutant accumulation. Tamil Nadu's five major fish landing centers—Royapuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mandapam, and Kanyakumari—are key for the sustainable exploitation of commercially valuable shark and ray species, vital to both marine ecosystems and local economies. However, overfishing, pollution, and sustainability concerns remain unaddressed. The project will first examine landing patterns of key shark and ray species at these centers, collecting year-round data to understand seasonal variations and regional differences. Fishermen’s knowledge and practices related to shark and ray capture, especially concerning protected species, will be assessed through surveys, interviews, and field observations, identifying areas for sustainability improvements. The study will also analyze market dynamics, from landing to processing and sale, mapping the supply chain, pricing, and value-added processes like drying and export preparation. This will offer insights into economic drivers and opportunities for enhancing value addition to support local livelihoods. A key component will be quantifying pollutants—polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—in shark and ray species. Tissue samples will be analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess pollutant levels, while advanced metabolomics techniques like Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) will evaluate tissue-specific accumulation and impacts on nutritional and safety qualities. By integrating data on landing patterns, fishing practices, market dynamics, and pollutant levels, the study will provide a comprehensive picture of Tamil Nadu's shark and ray fisheries. Statistical analyses will reveal relationships between these factors and their impact on sustainability. The findings will inform policy, improve fisheries management, and promote sustainable practices among fishermen and traders. Ultimately, the research aims to ensure the long-term viability of these fisheries while supporting the socio-economic development of coastal communities.