Report No. 2 of 1 922. 



NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FISHING 

 INDUSTRIES OF THE EACCADIVE 



ISLANDS 



BY 



S. RAMASWAMI AYYANGAR, 

 Sub-Assistant, Madras Fisheries Department, 



WITH AN INTRODUCTORY NOTE BY THE DIRECTOR. 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



This report consists of the more useful of the field notes 

 recorded by Mr. Ramaswami Ayyangar during a short visit 

 to the islands in 1920. Though necessarily fragmentary, they 

 have considerable value both in themselves and because they 

 fill several lacunae in the Report on a similar cruise which I 

 made in 1908 (Madras Fisheries Bulletin No. j) ; they add 

 materially to our knowledge of the fishing industries of the 

 islands. It is obvious, however, that before any scheme for 

 the improvement of existing methods or for the introduction 

 of new ones is possible, much more intimate knowledge is 

 requisite. Instead of a hurried cruise through the islands in 

 company with the revenue inspection staff, at least a full 

 month's investigation should be devoted to each island if the 

 fishing potentialities are to be ascertained satisfactorily and 

 adequately ; enough has now been learned to confirm my 

 first impression that the waters and shores of the islands 

 have considerable commercial possibilities. Left to them- 

 selves, no improvements in methods and no extension of 

 fishing operations can be expected from the Laccadive fisher- 

 folk. Although conservative after the manner of their kind, 

 these islanders compare favourably with the mainlanders ; 



