CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1INTRODUCTION

The Marine Fisheries have been playing an important role for the national economy. It also
generates a good source of food and rural costal employment as per the declaration of the
Exclusive Economic Zone in 1910. The potential of the resources has become more
apparent in successive developmental plans of the central and the state governments
which have emphasized on the importance of increasing fish production and export
promotion. Fishery is considered to be the earliest of hunting and the world oldest industry.
As a regular occupation fishing began some 50,000 years before our period. The oceans of
the world cover 70.8% of the earth surface and contain 1370 million cubic kilo metre of
water. Today fisheries play an important role in the economy of any country generating
employment for large coastal population.

Fishery is an important sector in most of the developed and developing countries of

the world. Fisheries sector stimulates the development and employment in related
industries which contribute of income and employment generation. The experience inthese
countries indicates that the growth in fisheries sector contributes significantly to the total
economic growth of the country. Besides providing direct employment, industry is also an
income generator as it supports many related industries. Fishery supports processing
establishments, gear and equipment manufacture, boat yards, refrigerator and icemaking
plants and transport services in addition to those working in governmental and private
fisher, based institutions. Fisheries play an important role in augmenting food supply and
raising nutritional level of population. Besides being an article of protein rich food, fish also
yields several bye products such as fish oil, fish glue, fish meal, fish manure, fish leather
and isinglass etc…

Global Marine Fisheries landing are estimated officially at between 80 and 85

million tons a year since 1990, with corresponding global mean and annual gross revenue
fluctuating around USD 100 billion annually. According unreported catches a recent study
estimated the likely “true” annual global catch to be about 130 million tons. The global
fisheries sector supports the livelihood of between 660 to 820 million people, directly or
indirectly. Which is about 10-12% of the world population, if the dependence of fisheries,
are taken into account. Globally fish also provides more than 2.9 billion people with 20% of
their animal protein needs and is crucial source of micronutrients.However along with
other nonclimatic drivers such as changes in markets, demographics and over exploitation,
climatic change is considered to be a major challenge that will significantly shape the
future of global fisheries.

The aquatic resources of the world are varied, extensive and rich in potential.They
can be broadly divided into two groups: marine and inland, and which in turn can be
categorized as capture fisheries and culture fisheries. With an extensive coastal line
extending along the main land, with a fairly wide continental shelf and slope and high sea
beyond the world has rich marine resources. The inshore waters forming the marginal sea
together with the coastal inlets constitute an environment of high productivity, offering
great scope for culture of a wide variety of marine organisms. Similarly, the inland fishery
resources comprise, two types of waters namely the fresh water and the brackish, the
former including river systems, an extensive network of irrigation canals, reservoirs, lakes,
tanks, ponds etc… and the latter, the sprawling estuaries at the confluence of the river
system with the sea, a large number of lagoons, brackish waterlakes, impoundments and
the vast areas of mangrove swamps containing tidal waters of fluctuating salinity.

Inland fisheries are distinct from marine fisheries in their nature and in the range
of drivers that influence them. Although commercially intensive fisheries exist, land
fisheries are generally characterized by small scale/house hold based activities.
Participation in fisheries is high and the bulk of catch is consumed locally. Inland fisheries
are very diverse, being based on a range of eco-systems whose fish communities respond
very differently to internal and external drivers.

The aquatic resources are generally are perceived are seriously degraded by over
fishing and pollution. None the less, the annual household income was found to be higher
than in the surrounding agricultural households. A general improvement in socio economic
condition is perceived in some countries (example: Philippines, Malaysia) but not in others
(example: - Senegal, Tanzania, India).

At present Japan and Russia are the leading producers of fish in the world. Peru,
China and U.S.A are among the first five fishing countries. India is the seventh largest
fishing nation of the world with an Exclusive Economy Zone (EEZ) of 2.62 million square kilo
meter and second in inland fish production. Fisheries play an important role in the
economy. India has a total coast line of 6,536 kilo meters. The fishery sector provides
employment and earnings to a large sector of the population an acceptable source of
protein to the majority of the people.

Government of India has accorded a very high priority for the fisheries
development programmes during the five years plan. With 2.02 million square kilo meter of
water spread area in the EEZ of India with a cost line measuring 5600 kilo meters and with
the vast Indian ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal, it is easy to see that the fishery
resources to the country are vast indeed. As per survey potential sherry resources within
India’s EEZ is estimated at 4.5 million tons, while the present production is only about 2.2
million tons besides, there are inland water resources which have been estimated at 29000
kilo meter of river, three million hectors of reservoirs.

Fisherman means the person who is engaged mainly in fishing and related activities
for their livelihood. They are very close to nature. The greatest asset of fisherman in Kerala
is their accumulated knowledge about fish, fish habits, wavescurrent and stars. The
development of fishing industry In India largely depends on the provisions of better
facilities to fisherman. Commercially exploitable area, best season and the type of year to
be used etc… are very essential for this hazardous industry.

In spite of serious efforts by the both government and non-governmental

organization to improve the lot of the costal poor, where the majority of them living well
below the poverty line, and the development of coastal villages have not kept pace with
that of the rest of the country. The coastal villages lack basic amenities like safe drinking
water, electricity, housing, educational facilities, road facilities, medical care and
communication.

The state of Kerala is abundantly rich in water with a coastal line of 590 kilo meter,
44 rivers with a total length of 3200 kilo meter and a water spread of 85000 hectors 53
extensive interconnected backwater with a water spread of 46129 hectors and a large
number of tanks and ponds totalling to about an area of 30592 hectors. Those water bodies
house a wide variety of aquatic fauna and the state occupies one of the foremost positions
in the aquatic bio diversity. Kerala has a fish worker population of about 10 lakhs, marine
fishery has a prominent place in the economy of Kerala. It is the only source of livelihood of
more than 8nlakh marine fisherman and out of this, more than two lack of active fisher folk
are engaged in fishing alone coast line, who inhabit 222 marine village. The fishery sector
provides occupation to about 3.86 lakh directly and much more indirectly.
1.2 PROBLEM OF THE STUDY

In Kerala the socio-economic backwardness is the hallmark of the fisherman community.

They are the socially isolated community. The prominent reason for the isolation is the
outlook for the society towards the fisherman. Fishing and related activities are universally
reserved for the law caste segment of the society. For this pathetic situation of the
fisherman community, time or place is not at all deciding factor In a nut shell the general
picture of the fishing community in Kerala, exhibits their extreme pathetic living conditions.
They always come in the lowest ladder of Kerala society with poor educational status and
lack of basic livelihood facilities. The fisher folk are isolated from the mainstream society
due to the low level of literacy and undignified mannerisms. Climatic changes and a lack of
employment opportunities make their problems too serious. There are so many factors
such as low social status, poor economic conditions, illiteracy, heavy indebtedness, low
production rate and income influence the socio-economic conditions of fisherman. Thus,
the problem of the study is to determine the socio-economic conditions of fishermen
community in Kerala.

1.3 SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANTS OF THE STUDY

This study can delve into the demographic characteristics, income patterns, occupation,
education, health, and living standards of the community, as well as their access to basic
amenities and social services.It can examine the impact of external factors such as ,
climate change, and fisheries policies on the community’s livelihoods and well-being. By
focusing on Andhakaranazhi village, the study can also provide insights into the challenges
and opportunities faced by this community.This Analysis of Socio-Economic Conditions of
Marine Fisherman Community in Kerala with Special Reference to Andhakaranazhi Village
in Alappuzha District holds paramount significance due to its potential to unveil the
intricate relationships between the socio-economic realities and the livelihoods of marine
fisherman communities in Kerala. This study can provide a nuanced understanding of the
challenges and opportunities faced by this community, ultimately informing targeted
interventions to enhance their well-being and sustainability. This research can contribute
to the broader discourse on coastal development, fisheries management, and rural
livelihoods, making it a timely and relevant investigation.
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The present study intends to understand the socio -economic status of fisherman
community in keeping with their financial stability, social Security, occupational wellbeing
the working conditions through a micro level investigation in Andhakaranazy village in
Alappuzha district .

The main objectives of study are :

• To study about the socio- economic status of the fisherman community

• To identify the problems faced by the fisherman community
• To examine the impact of environmental changes, such as climate change,
depletion of marine resources, and overfishing, on the livelihood and
sustainability of the fishermen community

1.5 METHODOLOGY

There are two types of data collection methods that are primary data collection method
and secondary data collection method.Surveys were the primary data collection method
and structured questionnaire will be distributed among a representative sample of the
fishermen community across coastal area in Kerala ,Andhakaranazhi Village in Alappuzha
District. This survey will collect data on socio-economic conditions, income levels,
education, health status, and the challenges faced by the community. Interviews like Semi-
structured interviews will be conducted with fishermen, their families, and local
community leaders. These interviews will provide deeper insights into the personal
experiences of the community and their views on government policies, environmental
changes, and socio-cultural factors.Secondary Data Collection:Government Reports and
Publications: Analysis of reports, documents, and data provided by government agencies,
such as the Department of Fisheries and the Kerala State Planning Board, will provide
insights into existing policies, welfare schemes, and statistical trends affecting the
community.Semi-structured Academic Research and Studies Review of literature from
previous studies on the socio-economic conditions of marine fishermen, both in Kerala
and globally, will help identify gaps in existing knowledge and contextualize the findings.
Data Analysis Quantitative data from surveys will be analyzed using statistical tools to
identify trends, correlations, and patterns in the socio-economic conditions of the
fishermen community.

1.6 SCHEME OF THE STUDY

The study is divided into five chapters

Chapter 1: introduction

Chapter 2: Review of literature

Chapter 3: An overview of fisheries sector in Kerala

Chapter 4: Analysis of data

Chapter 5: summary, findings and conclusion, bibliography, Questionnaire

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

• Time and funding are the main limitations that came across in the study with these
constraints an earnest effort was put into come out with this dissertation
• The respondents were busy in their work and were not interested in responding
rightly
• The study was limited to Andhakaranazy village only. A larger and wider sample may
have yielded better results
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Many authors and scholars have been trying to examine various aspects of fishery and
fishermen. Some of the conclusions of the main and important studies can be summarized
as follows:

BOOKS AND ARTICLES

Gordon (1954) predicts that “when fisheries is unregulated the following things are likely to
occur. Initially as the fisheries develop, fisherman experience high catch rates on the
abundant resources and earn high profits. This attracts other fishermen into the industry
and encourages those already these to increase investment. Increasing pressure on them
reduce the fish stock and increases competition among the fisherman for dividing
resources. This reduces the catch rates and hence profits to a level where the earnings
nearly cover the costs of the capital and labour employed in economic jargon to a level
where the economic level is completely disposed”

Per San Devan (1959) studied the working of the Indo Norwegian Project (INP) at
Neendakara. It is considered to be the first study about the INP project implemented in
Sakthikulamgara- Neendakara region. Thankappanachary and Dhevadhasamenon (1963)
carried out a specific enquiry into the impact of mechanization of fishing in Neendakkara.
They observed that the introduction of mechanization in the field of fishing had perceptibly
improved levels of living of fishermen of the area in terms of housing, education and
income.
Arne Martin Klausen (1968) studied the inter community comparison between the Araya
and Latin Catholic community in the Indo- Norwegian project region and found that the
Latin Catholic community responded impressively to the INP activities.

Thankappanachary (1969) brought out a report regarding the impact of Indo-Norwegian

project on the growth and development of Indian fisheries as a follow up of his reports
about the findings of an economic assessment of fishing by small mechanized boats and
‘canoes’ in the INP area at Neendakkara and the general improvement in the economy of
the fisher folk of INP area of Neendakkara and Sakthikulangara.

P. G.R Mathur (1977) studied the positive effects of fishing village of mechanization
process and his study was conducted in the Tanur fathering village of Northern Kerala. He
pointed certain structural and organizational changes which took place in the fishing
sector due to individuals outside the fishing sector entered the scene.

Abdul Hakim (1980) made a case study of a few fishing cooperatives in Kollam district. The
study was concentrated in Kollam, because Kollam accountant as a major centre of
mechanized fishing in Kerala. The major finding of the study was that the lions share of
benefits of mechanized fishing in the state was garnered by persons or groups not actually
engaged in fish production sector such as officials, traders and industrialists.

John Kurian and Willman (1982) conducted a detailed study on the economics of artisanal
and mechanized fisheries in Kerala. Production efficiency and productivity of various crafts
and gears, cost and cost effectiveness, net profit or loss incurred to the marine fisherman
by adopting various methods in fish catching points out that one of the outstanding
characteristics of the artisanal sector of Kerala fishing industry is its flexibility in respect of
craft and gears according to season, weather and other operational conditions.

Subha Rao (1986) reviewed and examined critically the process and progress of fisheries
development in Andhra Pradesh and the problems encountered by the fishing industry. He
also attempted to provide a better understanding about the parameters of the fisheries
development history, potential fisheries resources, production trends, utilization pattern of
fish, fishing technology, fisheries development during five year plans and the policies
pursued by the government in regard.

Kora Kandi (1987) studies technological change and the development of the primary
fishing industry of Kerala, explains the process of development in the primary marine
fishing industry during the period of 195-85 and identifies the factors that have contributed
to its growth in the initial stages of development and the factors that led to its decline into
the later stages.

Sri Ranganathan (1989) studied the role of cooperative societies in the socioeconomic
development of fishermen in Kerala. According to a survey conducted in 1987, the
membership position of fisherman in primary cooperative societies is found to be only 14.5
percent and fisheries cooperatives have developed mainly in five states: Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Serious problems occur in fisheries
cooperatives and most of them are organizationally weak.

Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS) (1989) conducted a study in the Kollam coast on
the socioeconomic, educational and health status of fisher folk residing in the coastal belt
of Kollam district. The study revealed that even after the technological innovation in the
fishing sector the fisher folk in Kollam district is very poor with regard to their housing.
Sanitation, health and education of children.

Jhingran (1991) explains the great advances in improving the productivity of food crops,
vegetables, fruits, forest trees, farm animals and fisheries.in the field of fisheries, we have
made some progress in exploiting the demersal and pelagic resources of the sea, but
progress in harnessing the inland fisheries resources has been slow. This is unfortunate
since fish is the most efficient among farm animals in converting feed into nutritious
proteinaceous food. He also states that the chief constraints in the future development of
marine fisheries are lack of accurate knowledge distribution, occurrence and abundance
of pelagic and demersal fishes that inhabit the sea around India. The principal constraints
facing the inland fish culture fisheries is non utilization of the existing and readily available
cultural waters, a problem which has two factors- lack of culture techniques among
fisherman class and dearth of finance for investment.
Ibrahim (1992) examined the socioeconomic impact of introduction of mechanized
techniques of production from outside into a traditional and labour-intensive sector, which
employs indigenous and conservational technology. After tracing the course of
mechanization in fisheries, the study examined its impact on growth of fish output,
employment, income and consumption. It also looks into the changes brought about in the
organization and structure of fishing economy with particular reference to distributional
justice.

Giriappa (1994) evaluated the impact of fisheries sector on the development process of
the country and the contribution of the marine and inland fisheries sector in regions like
Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for rural and economic
development of the country. He also highlighted the economics of different modes of
production conditions of fishing population and resource management. The specific case
of fisher women and cooperative were also analysed.

Sugunan (1995) explains in detail the reservoir fisheries of India. He states that Inland
fisheries resources are equally rich and varied in rivers, canals, lagoons, reservoirs and
ponds and gives their available area in hectares.

Mahesh. V. Joshi (1996) explains the importance of fisheries in our national economy. He
also analysed the impact of mechanization of fish catchment, income, export, standard of
living and employment opportunities in marine fishing sector in a wider aspect.

George (1998) studied the literacy levels of marine fisher folk from three districts of Kerala,
and finds that the educational backwardness of the maritime fisher flock has to be located
in socioeconomic constraints, behavioural factor, occupational pattern and mode of
production. From the analytical point of view, he argues that the inadequacy of political
mobilization and consideration of the community, contributed to the educational
backwardness of maritime fishermen of Kerala.

The study entitled "A census of artisanal marine fishing fleet of Kerala”, conducted by South
Indian Federation of Fisherman Societies (SIFFS) was done in (1998-1999). The study has
strong that through the number of fishing crafts has come down nominally; excess capacity
and over capitalization has become grave problem in the traditional fishing sector it has
recommended regulation of the out Broad Motors (DBMS) and an increased supply of
kerosene at moderate price to the fishermen. It has also warned that the rising trends in the
use of Mini Trawl and the spread of ring seine are dangerous signals of threat to the very
sustainability of fishery and suggested prohibition of this year.

Staff reporters (1998) of the Deepika prepared a detailed report which narrated the
problems faced by mechanized boat owners due to lack of catchers and heavy operational
Costs. Many have committed suicide due to heavy indebtedness. Many of them were got
involved in heavy debt traps. Absence of financial assistance from banks and governmental
agencies were also detailed in the report entitled “OzhiyunnaMadisheela,
Thakarunnakeralam

Tony Vattavanal (1998) through his report published in The Deepika daily recorded the
pathetic condition of the fisher flock in Kerala coast. It explained the poor living conditions
of fisherman and their sufferings- especially during the monsoon season.

Andrew (1999) explains the economics of brackish water shrimp culture, the effect of
shrimp culture on the socio-economic conditions of shrimp culture farmers and the factors
that are including the farmers to take up this new venture. It also analyses the negative
effect of unregulated shrimp culture activities on the environment.

Rajan (2000) assesses the present socio-economic conditions of traditional fisherman

community by examining the intervention effect of MATSYAFED in the traditional fishing
economy of the state. The study also attempted to examine the popularity and
effectiveness of corporatisation, input supply, market intervention and extension. The
importance of fishing sector in the state economy and the evolution and the emergence of
traditional fishing economy were also elucidated in detail.

Balakrishnan Nair (2000) gives a detailed account of the inland fishery resources of Kerala
and the importance of the unrestricted fishing together with the deteriorated
environmental conditions that leads to the depletion of the principal species of the
commercially imported fishes from the rivers and backwaters of Kerala. Major issues
contributing to the dwindling nature of inland fishery resources like habitat destruction,
construction of bunds, barriers, dams which leads to the shrinkage in the extent of water
bodies is mostly brought about by the deforestation activities taking place in the
catchment areas leading to soil erosion, siltation and sediment deposition. He also states
that there is present no uniform legislation on the various regulations regarding the issues
confronting the development and sustenance of inland fishery resources of the state.
“Inland fisheries of Kerala at a glance" (2000) gives the details of inland fishery resources,
average landing price of fisheries in various years, fish seed farms, hatcheries in Kerala, list
of fishing villages etc…….

Mary Antony (2004) in her article named trawl ban: Myth and made an attempt to review
the history of trawling ban and also tried to evaluate it with the respect to the results there
of. She cites the poor starving conditions of marine fisherman during trawl ban.

Staff reporter (2004) Deshabhimani daily reported the history of trawling ban and its
impact on coastal Kerala in the eve of trawling ban. The demand of total ban by boat
owners also stated in the report. Governments implemented strategies was also specified
in the report.

Tessie Kurian and Soumya Chacko (2006) suggested that Kerala occupies a prime
position in fisheries and is first among the Indian states to introduce mechanization of
boats through the Indo Norwegian project in the sixties. In the case of Kerala, fishing
industry which comprises of fish catching, processing and marketing provides employment
to over 3.5 lakh persons which constitute nearly five percent of the workforce in the state.
The fishing industry is making valuable contribution to our exports and thus play a vital role
in preserving our foreign exchange reserve.

Beena (2007) in the study ‘status difference among fishing women community: a study of
Christians in Sakthikulangara- Neendakara and Hindus in Puthenthura and Alappad
reported that among christians, both men and women are earning. Among Hindus, only
men earn, and the women depends on their husbands’ earnings to run households. Still,
Hindus are in a better financial position than the Christians. Christian fisher women’s are
far behind Hindu fisher women in spite of the universal efforts of the church to educate
them. Earlier in Kerala, people changed religion specially to escape from the caste stigma
and segregation in the name of castes. Those who become Christians from low cats got
instant social status in earlier times. It aids to analyse that the Hindu fisher women is far
better than the Christian fisher women, though they are working with their male
counterparts. Therefore, it exposed a financial mobility among the Aryans.
‘Malsya meghala vikasanvum adisthana avasyangalum’ by Sanjeev Gosh (2011) states that
there are 22 coastal villagers in Kerala. The majority people of fishing community live in
coastal areas. The fishing community’s social economic condition is very poor Most of the
households are under BPL level. The religious population in Kerala is specifically, 42 % of
Hindus, 35% Muslims and 23% of Christians in Kerala. They use

Boats for fishing from the sea like 15314 traditional boats, 10498 motorised boats and 2355
mechanized boats. It aids to analyse the religion wise analysis and socio economic status
of the fishing households.

The article Economy of fishing among the traditional fisher folk of Kerala’ by Kelkar (2012)
pointed that Kerala’s traditional fisherman are experts in the skills of fishing with greatest
knowledge of fish, currents and stars. The fishermen’s valuable knowledge is handed down
from generation to generation. The traditional fisher folk for catching fish used technologies
such as fishing craft, gears etc… they used the traditional boats called the Catamaran
small boats called vallam. Here mentioned two types of vallums that is Kettuvallam and
Ottathadivallam. It deals with the activity of fishing and the ownership of the fishing
equipment, role of women in fishing, the system of distribution of catch. It can help to
analyse the functioning of the traditional fishermen community in Kerala.

Anci and Raju (2014) in the article ‘structural changes in the fisheries sector of Kerala: An
overview’ found that the changes in the fishing community is the result of the external
elements. It revealed the educational and technological mobility in recent years compared
to earlier years in fishing community. It helps to analyse the development among the Arya
community.
 CHAPTER 3

AN OVERVIEW OF FISHERIES
SECTOR IN KERALA

Fishermen used to lead joyful, carefree lives with nets full of fish and money in
their pockets to support their daily needs. However, in order to survive, people are now
struggling to make ends meet. Some of the causes of the fight of the traditional fisherman
are the low returns from fishing, modernization, and trade liberalisation.

During the post independent period, the fishery sector was at its nascent
stage.The industry was never viewed as a trade area. The primary goals of the fishing were
to supply the needs of the community and the local market. It offered an inexpensive and
calorie-dense item on the meal menu. By the 1960s, foreign trawlers had been allowed into
our waters after the government realised how well the industry was doing. Other private
players were encouraged to enter the arena by the enormous profit that was taken from the
seas. At this point, the traditional fishermen’s way of life started to alter. A difference in
opinion started to develop between the traditional fish workers and the mechanised boat
owners who were not from fishing communities. Introduction of bottom trawling was yet
another factor that affected the fishermen. Bottom trawling has the capacity to catch
anything. It destroys the small fish and kills all the other species. Even the fish eggs will not
be spared under this method. Until 1960, fishing in Kerala was entirely dominated by the
non-mechanised, traditional country crafts-kattumaram, plank and dugout canoes using a
variety of tackle and gear. During the course of this time, there was a rapid change from
cotton to nylon nets.

Mechanised boats and cutting-edge nets completely altered the fishing

industry.The recent installation of inboard engines in addition to outboard engines made
the situation more complicated. There is a significant risk to the lives and equipment of
kattumaram fisherman if trawling is conducted in the same region. Due to the other ship’s
employment of powerful technology for trawling, the traditional fishing boats’ nets would
become tangled and broken. Furthermore, traditional fishermen’s catch is impacted by the
trawlers’ high catching capacity. Even, though there is a law stipulating twenty-two
kilometres depth of sea only for traditional fishermen, the trawlers never kept the rule.The
fish varieties have also decreased because of the rapacious trawling methods that are
carried out in the oceans. These factors further pushed the fishermen into darkness.

Nature also plays an important role in the fishing patterns. There has been a
substantial decrease in the varieties of fish after the tsunami in 2004. The varieties of fishes
and marine resources have decreased due to the impact of the tsunami. Monsoon and
unpredictable pattern of the rain are other factors that affect the ratio of catch by the
fishermen. The foreign trawlers who line up in the horizon loot everything they can from the
water leaving nothing for the poor fishermen community. The fishermen often return empty
handed after work most of the days. The increase in pollution and global warming is yet
another reason for the decrease in the varieties and quantity of fishes in the water. Most of
the remaining fishing villages in Kerala still use traditional craft and gear for fishing in order
to meet both the ends of their family. Lot has been tried by the government in order to
change the existing scenario, but not much fruits have been produced yet. The various
researches done by environmentalists and sociologists still lie tangled in the red strings in
the government offices, without even seeing the light.

India has 1.27 billion people, making it the second-most populous nation on
the globe. In India, 65% of the population still relies on agriculture for a living and as a
source of income. Fishing is a prominent industry in India’s coastal states, where more
than 14 million Indians rely on it as their primary source of income, making it a very
significant business in the country’s coastal states, which have a coastline of over 8,000
kilometres, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million square kilometres, and
abundant freshwater resources. Fishing had been practised for millennia prior to the
development of modern techniques and procedures, and it was generally acknowledged as
a major contributor to the Indian economy. For India to have secure food supplies, the
maritime fisheries sector is essential. As of the 2010 Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) Census, there were about 4 million fishers in India. Around 61% of
fishermen were considered to be living in poverty. (BPL) In nine maritime states and two
union territories, there are 3,288 marine fishing villages and 1,511 marine fish landing sites.
Nearly 76% of the households of marine fishers were Hindu, 15% were Christian, and 9%
were Muslim. There were 17% SC/ST families in total among the households of marine
fishermen. The typical family size among fishermen was 4.63, and there 928 females for
every 1000 males overall. Approximately 38% of maritime fishermen were actively fishing,
with 85% of them working full-time. A total of 63.6% of the fishermen were engaged in
fishing and allied activities. Nearly 57% of the fisherfolk engaged in fish seed collection
were females and 43% were males.

3.1 KERALA’S FISHING COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY

Kerala occupies an area of about 38,863 square kilometres, or 1.27% of the

Indian subcontinent, and is located on its southwest shore. The Arabian Sea and the
Western Ghats in the east and west, respectively, divide the state from the remainder of
India. The hills, midlands, and lowlands are the three geographical areas that make up
Kerala’s landmass. Near the water, there is a lowland.

Kerala’s 589.5 km of coastline, which accounts for 10% of all of India’s coastline,
has long facilitated commerce with other nations. In comparison to the midlands and the
highlands, the population density is extremely high along the entire coastline. (Asia
Development Bank, 2003). Kerala is a leading producer and consumer of fish thanks to its
highly skilled community of fishermen and incredibly rich marine resources, which include
a wide diversity of fish. (Aerthayil, 2000). The Kerala coast is particularly fish-friendly due to
the heavy rainfall and numerous waterways. The mudbanks, or chakara in Malayalam, are
one of the unique features of the Keralan coastline. Following the monsoon, the formation
of clay and organic matter on the shore takes place while the sea is still calm, leading to an
excellent fish harvest. Fishing is a significant component of Kerala’s economy because it
provides fish workers with a source of income and a source of high-quality sustenance for
their families. (Kurian, 2001).

A significant portion of the state’s population is made up of fishermen. In terms

of the number of fishermen among the 14 maritime states, Kerala is in eighth place.
According to estimates, there are 11.114 lakh fisher people living in Kerala, of whom 8.55
lakh work in the maritime industry and 2.55 lakh do so onshore. Out of this total, there are
2.28 lakh active fishermen. (1.90 lakh in the marine sector and 0.42 in the inland sector).

There are currently 113 fishing villages in the inland sector and 222 fishing
villages in the marine sector, where the overwhelming majority of people survive off fishing
and associated activities. (Department of Fisheries, date not specified). Out of the two
kinds of fishermen-marine and inland-the marine fishermen are more concentrated in
Trivandrum district, followed by Alappuzha, and then by Kollam and Kozhikode districts,
whereas the inland fishermen are concentrated in Ernakulum, Alappuzha, and Kollam
districts, respectively. (Department of Fisheries, 2005).

Almost 12 percent of fishermen rely on ancillary industries for their livelihoods,

including selling and repairing nets, selling seafood, processing fish, and other fishery-
related businesses. The state’s vast fishing industry includes 19,173 vessels, of which 7%
are mechanised, 44% are motorised, and the remaining 49% are non-motorized. Although
there are more than 300 distinct species of fish caught off the coast of Kerala, only about
forty of them are commercially significant.

The socioeconomic condition of fishermen in Kerala is unsatisfactory. It became

necessary to take appropriate corrective action to protect the fishermen from their
financial collapse. Department of Fisheries is established in 1 st November 1956 Smt
Adheela Abdulla is the present fisheries director of Kerala. The Fisheries Department of
Kerala is responsible for implementing the policy of the Government of Kerala for
sustainable fishery and conservation of fish resources, extending fish culture in available
water sources, ensuring disease free quality shrimp/fish seed to farmers, implementing
schemes for increasing infrastructure facilities, upgrading educational status of fishermen,
and implementing schemes for the welfare and up gradation of Fishermen.

The socioeconomic backwardness is the hallmark of the fishermen’s

community.They are a socially isolated community. The prominent reason for the isolation
is the attitude of society towards the fishermen. Fishing and related activities are
universally reserved for the low-caste segment of society. For this pathetic situation of the
fishermen’s community, time or place is not at all a deciding factor. In a nutshell, the
general picture of fishing communities exhibits their extremely pathetic living conditions.
They always come from the lowest rung of Kerala society, with poor educational status and
a lack of basic livelihood facilities. The fisher folk are isolated from mainstream society due
to their low level of literacy and undignified mannerisms.Climate change and the lack of
employment opportunities make their problems too serious. There are so many factors,
such as low social status, poor economic conditions,illiteracy, heavy indebtedness, a low
production rate, and low income, that influence the socioeconomic conditions of
fishermen.

3.2 FACTORS AFFECTING THE LIVES OF THE FISHERMEN

There are many factors that positively and negatively affect the lives of the
fishermen community in Kerala. Shown below are some of the striking factors and features
that were observed in the fishing village of Andhakaranazhy. It gives a synopsis of the
fishing community as a whole.

• OCCUPATION

The fishermen population of Andhakaranazhy includes people who practice fishing

as their prime occupation and those who have taken up allied occupations as their source
of livelihood. The male population of the village are engaged in fishing, while the female
population are engaged in allied activities such as drying, curing, peeling and the selling of
fish. The majority of the total fishermen population of the village were involuntarily dragged
into this occupation due to poverty and lack of education. The fish that they catch are
bought by the auctioneers who come from different markets. The absence of a working
market system in the locality leads to the involvement of more middlemen, leading to the
exploitation of the poor folks. Allied activities include fish marketing. Making and repairing
of nets, fish curing and processing, peeling and other connected labour.

The depleting resources in the oceans and the over exploitation of the seas has
led to the change in occupations of the fishermen, forcing them to practice other part time
jobs. The majority of the population in the village have taken up fishing as their occupation
due to poor living standards. The traditional fishermen have acquired the art of fishing from
their parents, but are unable to buy advanced machinery due to financial backwardness.
There are many hazards associated with the occupation, such as accidents and deaths,
unpredictability of nature, lack of emergency assistances, and lack of warehouse and
storage facilities. Banks have helped the fishermen to buy the boats with the help of loans,
but there are still many hazards that come along with the occupation.

• INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

The lack of returns from the occupation and uncertainty of the catch lead to
difficulty in estimating income. The current rate of kerosene 124₹ per liter . The subsidized
price of kerosene that the fishermen get from the government is Rs.25 and the quantity that
they are allowed is 128 litres for an engine per month. After toiling for a whole day, the profit
that they get as a group is sometimes less than Rs 500 which is to be divided among
them.The change in consumption patterns of the consumers affects the lives of the
traditional fishermen drastically. The population of Kerala tries to imitate the western
culture and is acquiring a taste towards the western pattern of consumption. They prefer
preserved and frozen food to the fresh proteins available in the local markets. The Veblen
effect is a phenomenon that affects the poor producers and grass root level workers in the
market. The income level of a fisherman ranges from Rs.50 to Rs.300 on an average basis.
The women population of the fishing village in Chellanam are mostly engaged in
allied activities like fish selling, fish drying, and travelling to distant places to sell fish. The
help of Kudumbasree has started to work wonders with the women of the village, and Self-
help groups and Non-Governmental Organisations are taking birth in the coastal village of
Andhakaranazhy. The youth are turning away from traditional occupations due to lack of
returns and the low status of the job. Financial trouble is one of the main factors that lead
to the change in occupation.
 • EDUCATION

Amartya Sen argues that education is an enhancement of human capital, which can
add to the value of production in the economy and also to the income of a person who has
been educated.

The level of illiteracy in the village is decreasing as the youth has explored the
benefits of education and has engaged in other lands and occupations with the help of
education. Due to poverty and low standards of living, a large population of the village were
forced to take up fishing as their occupation even at a very young age. Lack of schools in
the locality is another factor for the high illiteracy rate.

The elderly people In the village are not aware of the benefits of education and do
not encourage their children to go to school. The distance between the educational
institutions and the village is another factor responsible for the low enrolment ratio in the
schools. There are one school in the locality that the fishermen population go to

▪ BBM LP school, Andhakaranazhy

• HOUSING

The village is a mixture of both kaccha and pakka houses. Strong concrete houses
were built with the help of the government under its housing scheme. A number of houses
were destroyed due to the impact of the tsunami. The houses were rebuilt and repaired
under the Tsunami Relief Assistance Scheme of the Fisheries Department. Traditional
thatched roof huts can still be spotted amidst the concrete figures in the village. A striking
feature that was seen in the village was that the some houses lied too close to the shore.
Even after the implementation of the coastal regulation zone activities, the number of
houses that lie close to the sea has yet not decreased. Among Indian states, the largest
number of coastal fishing villages within 100 metres from the shore is in Kerala. Due to this
factor, the damage that is caused to the property due to the high tides is higher. The houses
that are seen in the village were built with the help of bank loans and aid from the relatives
and near ones. The schemes of Matsya bhavan have also helped in building houses and
toilets in the village.

• DEPT POSITION

The people of the village mainly depend on each other and their loved ones for credit
facilities. Local money lenders, employers, relatives, family and neighbours act as the
agents of credit markets in the village. Exorbitant rates of interests are charged by the local
money lenders. The help of relatives who work abroad acts as source of credit for the poor
folks. Inability to pay back the borrowed money further causes bonded labour. In some
cases, commercial banks do come for the help of fishermen who have the interest of the
political leaders of the local. The acceptance of loans and grants works on a
recommendation and political interest basis.

• HEALTH, SANITIZATION AND DRINKING WATER

There are no such health issues that are connected with the occupation other than
allergies and asthma problems due to the colouring agents and chemicals used in painting
the boats and nets, oral cancer and Tuberculosis due to the increased usage of alcohol and
tobacco items, and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) due to the inefficient sanitation facilities
and hygiene. The life expectancy of males in the village ranges from 60 -70 years, while for
females it is 75+. According to the UNDP development research,36.4% of the deaths of the
fishermen are caused due to cancer. The most important details in this text are the lack of
hygiene and sanitation, the high percentage of sodium chloride content in the water, the
lack of health and medical facilities available in the locale, and the lack of free medical aid
for the poor community.

• EMIGRATION PATTERNS

Emigration is the act of leaving one’s native country with the intent to settle elsewhere.
The depleting resources in the oceans and the lack of returns from the occupation are the
basic driving patterns that force the folks in migrating to other countries. But it is interesting
to note that the people who migrate to different countries usually continue the same
occupation. Thus, it is clear from this emigration pattern that the people are forced to
migrate outside not because of the disaster towards the occupation but because of the
lack of returns and income which further pushes them into poverty. The expectations for
higher standards of living and income are the factors that drive them to migrate to foreign
countries. The occupations that they take up in the foreign countries are: fishermen,
drivers, coolie, and other menial jobs

3.3 SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES OF THE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

List of various schemes and programmes by the fisheries department for the welfare of
fishermen community is given below:

1. Housing Scheme
Objectives: to provide shelter to poor fisher family
Components: construction of a house building of 35 sq. meter
Beneficiaries: by a committee under the chairmanship of district collector.

2. Educational concession

Objectives: to provide educational concession to the children of registered non-Hindu

fishermen.
components: lump sum grant, hostel fee, stipend, tuition fee, pocket money etc…..
Beneficiaries: children of non- Hindu fishermen

3. Pension to Fishermen

Objectives: to provide an amount of rupees 200 per month as old age pension and widow
pension.
Components: accidental death/ heart attack while at fishing
Beneficiaries: registered fishermen/ widows of fishermen

3.4 INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS UNDER FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

• MATSYAFED
• MATSYA BOARD
• AGENCY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AQUACULTURE
• FISH FARMERS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
• MARINE ENFORCEMENT
• HARBOUR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
• KERALA FISHERIES WELFARE FUND BOARD

Chapter 5

Summary, Findings And Conclusion

 The study’s primary goal was to depict and portray the way of life of fishermen.
By using the fishing community of Andhakaranazhy as the study’s sample region, the same
has been accomplished. The fortunes of the fisherman community have improved over
time in terms of illiteracy rates and access to elementary education, but they still lag
behind the rest of society in these areas. More attention and effort have to be put on the
health, standard of life, enrolment ratio, and education indicators. According to the UNDP’s
human development indicators, the community still has a long way to climb the
development ladder. With education and awareness, the current vulnerable conditions of
the fishermen should be eliminated. The community still has a long way to go before it
reaches human development and catches up to the rest of society. It must attack issues
like poverty, a lack of access to basic necessities, educational stagnation, and poor health,
which will help to increase possibilities, options, and capabilities.

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

Kerala’s economy heavily depends on the fishing industry. 335 fishing villages in
various regions of the country are home to more than a million members of fishing
communities. It makes up around 3% of the state’s whole population. Nearly 65% of
fishermen engage in marine fishing. 60% of the state’s entire marine fisherman population
are currently engaged in fishing. Kerala’s marine fishermen have a low social standing.
Even though fishermen make significant contributions to Kerala’s economic output and
nutritional status of its population, their contributions cannot be used to claim the state’s
achievements in a variety of fields.

The age at which a person begins working as a fisherman is influenced by things

including education level and family needs. The workforce is made up of people between
the ages of 30 and 80. In the sampled areas, fishermen typically fish for 6 to 8 months each
year. Seasonal changes in catches and other fishing-related expenses cause the monthly
income to vary greatly. The marine fishermen do not favour the saving attitude Even if they
receive more money, these guys lack awareness of asset creation and income-generating
activities.

The study conducted on the fisher folk of the Andhakaranazhy fishing village of
Alappuzha helped to reveal the life of the fishermen community as a whole. The major
findings of the study are listed below.

❖ The fishermen in the village are plagued by poverty and live in substandard
conditions as a result of their occupation’s lower earnings and inability to compete
with the industry’s major players.
❖ The fishermen’s community is primarily made up of people in the 40 to 60 age range
(66.60%).Younger age groups only make up 33.30% of the population. This can be
due to the fact that the fishing industry demands greater physical fitness and hard
work. Another possible factor is the young generation’s educational backwardness.
People who are older than 60 are seen to be reluctant to work in this field due to
their weak physical condition.
❖ In order to supplement their family’s income, the majority of the village’s women
participate in activities like selling, curing, and drying fish.
❖ The majority of fishermen (54.55%) have the educational qualification as the
primary level. Only (36.36%) has got education up to high school level. This might
be as a result of the high rate of school and college dropouts. This group should be
the target of certain awareness campaigns that emphasise the value of education.
Another significant finding from the survey is that everyone in the study area is
literate. The desperate necessity to bring these outcast segments of society into the
mainstream is demonstrated by the educational figures provided above.
❖ Eighty percent of the population (60%) earns less than Rs. 5000 per month. This
income might not be enough for them to make ends meet in this consumer-
oriented society. The community of fishermen experiences significant financial
impact from demonetization. Another major factor in the low income of the fishing
community is the decline in fish productivity.
❖ The majority of families (88.33%) fall within the Below poverty line category. Just
(11.67% )of the families are Above poverty line families . It unmistakably
demonstrates the bulk of the fishing community’s dire financial situation.

❖ The homes of the fisherman are located near to the shore. Consequently, the
amount of property damage due to high tides is at its highest.

❖ More than 66.60% of families own just up to 6cents or less. Only the remaining
33.32% own land that is worth up to 10 cents. It demonstrates the community of
fishermen’s socioeconomic illiteracy.
❖ The consumption spending of the fishing community reveals that 43.33 of the
expenditures fall between Rs. 3500 and Rs. 4500. Since their expenses are higher
than their meagre income, it is evident that their standard of living is affected.
❖ 65.62% of people own fishing equipment mostly fishing nets. The remaining 34.38%
lack any fishing-related assets. Purchasing fishing equipment is a simple way to
boost their income. It is strongly advised in this regard to seek financial aid from the
government or non-governmental organisations.
❖ The majority of the fishing community has net and “ponthu” for fishing. Those that
have access to their own fishing boat are fewer because they are more expensive.
 Only a small portion of the community of fishermen has the aforementioned
assets.
❖ In the range of below 100000, 60 % of the community of fishermen has loan
obligations. Nearly 6.6% of people are debt-free, while 32.7% of people owe loans
totalling more than Rs. 1,000,000. They will undoubtedly make less money after
paying interest on this debt.
❖ As a result of poor hygiene and sanitation, health issues and diseases were on the
rise.
❖ Most fisherman sell the fish they catch through fish markets 63.33%. Fish selling
Agents accounts for just 20% .
❖ In the village’s fishing population, alcohol and cigarette use and addiction have
increased, resulting in illnesses and family issues.

❖ Unemployment is a major issue in the study area because fishing only offers
temporary jobs. Seasonal unemployment is experienced by over 90% of the
respondents. Since they are not skilled enough for such jobs, many of them change
their profession during the off-season, but they struggle to make ends meet
because of this. Additionally, it should be noted that most women do not
participate in activities related to fishing. The community of fishermen mostly relies
on neighbourhood moneylenders and other microfinance organisations during the
off-season. The government launched a programme called THANAL to help the
fisher folk by giving them a monthly payment of Rs. 220 to help them get by.

❖ Due to the absence of income from the occupation, the village experienced an
increasing tendency of emigration.
❖ The less involvement and support from the religious institutions in lives of the
people because of the lack of fund.
❖ Because the fishermen were unaware of the benefit plans and policies that were
available to them, the government offices were ineffective.

SUGGESTIONS

Following are the important suggestions of the study that were drawn out after looking into
the fishing village of Andhakaranazhy
1. Education lags among fisherman. Despite their own issues, education can
introduce the fisher folk to other economic sectors. Promoting education among the
fishing community is one strategy for achieving rapid human growth.
2. The establishment of an organisation or institution from within the fishing
community itself, along with proper education about how public policies and
programmes operate, will undoubtedly aid the community in becoming aware of its
own rights and benefits. As a result, it will be a helpful hand in rescuing the
neighbourhood from poverty.
3. The government and non-governmental organisations must provide financial and
technical support to potential fish folk. Ensure that these facilities are accessible as
well
4. To stop foreign trawlers from overusing the ocean’s resources, teach the fishermen
how to bottom-trawl. This will enable the fisherman to further raise their standard of
living.
5. Extending the market opportunities of the fishermen in order to widen the scope of
the selling area.
6. Providing treatment for all illnesses and health problems affecting fishermen can
assist to prolong people’s lives.
7. The government must implement effective measures to help fishermen develop a
saving habit. The way the self-help groups operate needs to be enhanced.
8. To stop the public from becoming addicted to these harmful products, alcohol and
tobacco de-addiction services should be developed.
9. By enlarging the scope of their occupation, it is possible to put an end to the trend of
fishermen leaving their communities. For the purpose of eliminating
unemployment, fish curing and processing facilities should be built.
10. To help the fishermen avoid poverty during the low-income period, provide them
with some type of employment during the off-season.
11. Increasing the number of hospitals and schools nearby the community will help to
advance human development.
12. Effective coastal management zone injunction to reduce property damage from high
tides.
13. Providing emergency assistances to the fishermen at sea, in case of emergencies.
14. To improve the ability of rescue in a crisis, fisherman should be given technological
tools like GPS devices and flash fires.
15. It is important to offer affordable fishing equipment. Periodic delivery of technical
support services is required.
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