Fishery resources and economic gain in three mangrove areas on the south‐east coast of India

The fishery resources and fishing income in three different mangrove areas were evaluated. The mangrove‐rich area provided high catches of shellfish and finfish and yielded high fishery income, compared with the mangrove‐poor areas. Luxuriant mangrove areas supported a catch of 11 kg shellfish ha−1 day−1 and 4.5 kg finfish ha−1 day−1, corresponding with an economic gain of US$ 14 (Rs 603.7) day−1 for shellfish and US$ 3 (Rs 130.5) day−1 for finfish. The value of maintaining mangroves to ensure better fishery resources and to support coastal economies was identified. Management practices for conserving and enhancing mangroves and associated fishery resources are suggested.