Tens of tons of mackerel were caught by fishermen.

Описание: Indian fishermen have very distinctive methods for catching mackerel (especially Indian mackerel - Rastrelliger kanagurta), combining long-standing traditional techniques with modern mechanized equipment.

Below are the most common methods:
1. Purse Seine Fishing - Large Scale
This is the most effective method for catching mackerel because this species often travels in large schools (shoals) near the surface of the water.

Method: Fishermen use a giant net to surround the school of fish. Then, the bottom part of the net is pulled up like a drawstring bag, preventing the fish from escaping.

Location: Common in the western coastal states such as Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.

2. Trawling
Although trawling is commonly used for shrimp and bottom-dwelling fish, mid-water trawling nets are also widely used for catching mackerel.

Method: The fishing boat will drag a bag-shaped net through the water layers where the mackerel schools are moving.

3. Gillnetting - Traditional & Common Method
This is the most common method used by small-scale fishermen and families.

Method: Fishermen release a vertical wall of netting into the sea. The mesh size is designed to fit the heads of mackerel through, but the fins and gills will get caught.

Advantages: This method selects fish by size, helping to protect smaller individuals.

4. Using Traditional Boats (Vanchi/Vallam)

In areas like Kerala, fishermen still use long wooden boats (called Vallam) with a crew of 20-30 people.

Observation Techniques: Experienced fishermen are able to "read" the water's surface (by observing ripples, water color, or the concentration of seabirds) to detect schools of mackerel without the need for fish finders.

Ring Seine: A smaller-scale variation of purse seine, used by community fishing groups right on the shore.

5. Hook and Line Fishing

For the large and valuable King Seer fish, fishermen often use hand lines or longline fishing.

Bait: Small fish or brightly colored artificial lures are commonly used to attract mackerel when they are hunting alone.

Interesting Cultural Aspects:

Using Lights: In some areas, fishermen use high-powered lights at night to attract plankton, drawing schools of mackerel closer to the boat for casting nets.

Seasonality: Indian fishermen strictly adhere to the "sea ban" during the monsoon season to allow fish time to breed, preserving marine resources for future generations.