I36 MADRAS FISHERIES BULLETIN VOL. XII, 



once inside could not escape. The aperture or entrance is shaped 

 with inverted bamboo strips, so arranged that it is easy for fish to 

 pass in and next to impossible for them to get out again. At the 

 other end of the trap, the bamboo strips are twisted together and 

 tied. The fry following their natural instinct to pass down-stream, 

 move with the converging (artificial) main channel and thus into 

 the trap at the apex, there being no means of escape. 



That shoals of fry are captured this way is evident. The first 

 trap I raised contained some hundreds of these helpless mites. 



Poacher's views on fry trapping. — On questioning the man who 

 was setting these traps, he said that " he thought it was quite a 

 legitimate means of capturing small fish," but complained that 

 the catches were getting scarcer every year. To make up for this 

 deficiency, he had to make his traps more effective thus preventing 

 a smaller percentage escaping. 



Collecting the spoil. — Having lifted the trap, the poachers untie 

 the string and deposit the fish into another basket and replace the 

 trap as quickly as possible. During the short interval when the 

 trap is out of position, a few fry escape, but I noticed lower down 

 the river that they carry an additional trap which they place in 

 position immediately after removing the first one. Formerly (I was 

 informed) they examined the baskets every few hours, but now this 

 is not necessary as the supply has diminished so much. Every 

 evening just before dark, they examine and replace the traps, 

 which remain in position all night. 



Time of operations. —These traps are constructed on the first 

 appearance of fry or immediately after the flooded river subsides. 

 Being practically on some of the spawning beds themselves, they 

 capture mere alevins. The operations were in full swing when I 

 passed down in November. 



District in which this destruction is practised. — The district in 

 which this wholesale destruction of immature fish is practised 

 constitutes the main spawning grounds of the Bhavani. Begin- 

 ning beside the village of Kardigamund these fixed engines are to 

 be found near each village down to Sindariarai just above 

 Attapadi. 



Damage to fish in the river and number of people who benefit. — The 

 damage done to the future supply of fish in the river in this area 



