Satellite-Based Chlorophyll-a as a Determinant of Fish Abundance in Bangladesh Maritime Zone

Abstract: Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) plays a vital role in attracting fish school as it helps build food chain in the marine environment. This study aims to determine the spatial variability among the fishing grounds as well as to determine relationship between Chl-a and catch per unit effort (CPUE). Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) monthly level-3 Standard mapped image (SMI) data of Chl-a (2022) was used in this study. South patches showed highest (2.18 ± 0.16 mgm^-3) average value of Chl-a and the lowest (0.38 ± 0.06 mgm^-3) was in south of south patches. Statistically significant (F (3,34) = 17.201, p = .000) difference among the fishing grounds was found. VIIRS level-3 daily Chl-a data in accordance with fishing logbook was used for determining the relationship between Chl-a and CPUE. This study showed a significant negative relationship (p<0.05) between Chl-a and CPUE. This study also revealed that higher catch was found in the region of moderate Chl-a concertation (1.10 - 1.92 mgm^-3). A further study is required to determine the potential fishing zone in combination with more ocean variables and species wise study is needed to be conducted. 

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