Background: The Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, is a critical marine ecosystem facing threats like overfishing and habitat degradation. This study assesses the vulnerability of marine fishery resources using a Resource Vulnerability Index (RVI), highlighting key factors driving resource depletion. 
 
Methods: The RVI was developed using indicators such as overcapacity (excessive fleets), declining catch per unit effort (CPUE), shifting species composition and environmental degradation. Data were collected from fisheries reports and local surveys, with the index calculated for Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. 
 
Result: Ramanathapuram exhibits the highest vulnerability among the districts in the Gulf of Mannar, driven primarily by severe overfishing and significant habitat loss. Thoothukudi follows with moderate vulnerability, facing similar challenges of overcapacity and environmental degradation. Tirunelveli, while showing comparatively lower vulnerability, still displays notable signs of resource depletion, necessitating attention to ensure sustainable fisheries management. Urgent measures are needed, including regulating fleet sizes, promoting sustainable fishing, restoring habitats and implementing policies for alternative livelihoods and resource monitoring.

Estimation of Marine Resource Vulnerability Index for the Gulf of Mannar Coast, Tamil Nadu

The objective of the experiment was to find out the best combination and efficiency the productivity of garlic for intercropping at different planting densities with brinjal. The treatment combinations were brinjal 100% + garlic 70%, brinjal 100% + garlic 60%, brinjal 100% + garlic 50%, brinjal 100% + garlic 40%, brinjal 100% + garlic 30% with sole crop of brinjal. A randomized complete block design replicated three times was used. Different intercropping combinations were evaluated by performed on basis of several intercropping indices such as land equivalent ratio (LER), competitive ratio (CR), monetary advantages index (MAI), replacement value of intercrops (RVI) and economics performance. The monetary return of intercropping of garlic with brinjal with different planting ratio was significantly higher as compared to sole cropping of brinjal. The highest brinjal equivalent yield (91.65 t ha-1), gross return (Tk.1374800 ha-1), gross margin (Tk.1003426 ha-1), BCR (3.70) and LER (2.65) were in intercropping of brinjal 100% + garlic 70% compared to other intercropping combination and sole cropping of brinjal. Brinjal 100% + garlic 60% showed same BCR in intercropping. The study also revealed that brinjal 100% + garlic 70% intercropping system exhibited higher MAI (Tk. 855950 ha-1) and replacement value of intercropping (5.34) compared to the other planting ratio and the sole crop.&nbsp;

Estimation of Marine Resource Vulnerability Index for the Gulf of Mannar Coast, Tamil Nadu

Outcome of intercropping garlic with brinjal for the small holder farmers of Bangladesh