Assessment of quality of fish and shrimps landed at the fish harbour, Cochin, was made over the period January, 1980 to December, 1982. A total of 201 samples were analysed. Nearly 75% of the samples scored between 6-10 in a 10 point hedonic scale and the percentage unacceptability based on sensory assessment was 5. 5%. In 10.1% of the samples, total volatile nitrogen was >30 mg% and in 8.3% of the samples trimethylamine- nitrogen was >10 mg%. Both, the gr Torrymeter and Intellectron Fish Tester VI readings marked significant correlation with sensory scores and chemical indices; but failed to bear any significant correlation with bacterial counts. Of the 5-1 total samples 66.7% had total plate count (TPC) ≥10 super(5) g super(-1) and 8.5% were considered unacceptable based on TPC >5x10 super(5) g super(-1); 63.2% of the samples were free from Escherichia coli; 26.4% had >20 E. coli g super(-1) and 20.4% of the samples contained faecal streptococci >10 super(3) g super(-1). Seven percent of the samples showed coagulase positive staphylococci >100 g super(-1). Salmonella could not be detected in any of the samples examined. Crushed ice samples and the platform of the harbour had high bacterial loads.