As per Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps), which was showing a declining trend for the past few years, appears to be on a revival path along the Kerala coast.
- The revival was seen because of a seemingly favourable condition in the marine ecosystem.
- Causes of Decline: El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes a rise in sea-surface temperature and triggers changes in the ocean’s vertical, thermal structure, particularly in coastal regions, and the warming of sea water has been a major reason for the decline in the sardine population.
About Indian oil sardine
- Found in the Indian Ocean, Indian oil sardine is a tropical small pelagic clupeid fish ( a family of ray-finned fishes).
- According to the UNFAO, Indian oil sardine is the most important and abundant clupeoid in Indian waters (up to 30% of all marine fishes).
