Marine meteorology and fisheries

Abstract

Weather conditions over the sea affect the fisheries both directly and indirectly. Fishing activity gets hampered even at moderate sea state conditions, and under low winds, if the swell is predominant in the operational areas of the vessel. At higher latitudes, icing of fishing boats under adverse weather conditions is a very serious one causing the loss of both vessels and fishermen. Foul weather also affects the fishing gear due to large waves and strong currents. Fish of economical importance migrate in response to changes in sea temperature storms of shorter duration also influence the distribution of fish in shallow coastal waters as they set up turbulent conditions to which some species are unable to withstand. Therefore marine meteorological information is of great use to the fisheries for making forecasts of fish stocks as well as for planning fishing operations in different grounds.