Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to show the economic importance of the artisanal fisheries in various LDCs, especially those in the Indian sub-continent and to discuss fishery resource management problems of particular concern in developing countries. The socio-economic significance of the artisanal fisheries in LDCs cannot be judged merely by their aggregate biological yield and aggregate economic yield. They' are necessary for the survival of local economies and communities along the coasts of many LDCs. These communities have virtually no other employment possibilities and their cultural fabric has been developed around traditional fisheries. Fish is the prime food source for such communities.