author(s)
Kishorc, S Benakappa, Manjulesh Pai and Sujitha Thomas

abstract
The present study enables us to understand the fish species composition, seasonal variation and abundance during different months off Malpe coast. The data for the present study was collected from the trawlers operating from Malpe fishing harbour over a period from September-2014 to April-2015. A total 101 species belonging to 47 families and 16 orders were recorded during the study period. Nemipterus japonicus contributed highest landings followed by Trichiurus lepturus, Nemipterus randalli, and Epinephelus diacanthus. The cumulative curve (K-dominance curve) plot showed that density of fish species was high in the month of December 2014 and proved the number of species (Richness) more in the month of December 2014 compared to other months. The Bray-Curtis similarity (hierarchical clustering) from the overall cluster analysis, it was observed that the maximum similarity was observed between the month December 2014 and January 2015. Simper analysis was used to examine the contribution of each species to average resemblances between sample groups. The average similarity in group post-monsoon and group pre-monsoon was see by doing hierarchical clustering and the results showed that maximum similarity between post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. The stress value, which was overlying on the MDS plot (0.07), showed an excellent ordination of the samples collected. During the study period immediately after the ban period (Monsoon) there was good recruitment to the fishery.