Fisheries in Kerala

FISHERIES
In Kerala fishing is the mainstay of about 3.6% of the State's population. More than 9.29 lakh fishermen comprising 7.20 lakhs (77.50%) in marine and 2.09 lakhs (22.50%) in inland sector are engaged in fishing. Compared to the previous year the fishermen population has increased by 17,307 (1.89%).
Kerala has a long coast line of 590 kms. which measures about 10% of the coast line in the country. The fish-able area in Kerala consists of the continental shelf within 200m. depth range, spread over 39 lakh hectares and the inland water areas suitable for promotion of culture fisheries spread over 3.61 lakh hectares. The total fish production in Kerala during 1988-89 is estimated to be 3.87 lakh tonnes, including 0.289 lakh tonnes of inland fishes. The contribution of marine sector was 3.59 lakh tonnes. The production which was 3.054 lakh tonnes during 1987-88 has increased by 26.72% during the year. The increase in production was mainly in the marine sector which was at a very low level during 1987-88 (2.78 lakh tonnes). The inland fisheries also recorded marginal increase in production from 26.493 tonnes to 28,475 tonnes (5.73%). The major varieties of pelagic fishes landed along the coast of Kerala include oil sardine, other sardines, mackerel, anchoviella etc. The demersal fishes consist of penaesid prawns, elasbranchs, perches, pomfrets etc. From the date on species-wise landings, it is seen that oilsardine accounts for the major share 1.398 lakh tonnes (38.97%) followed by prawn 8.97%. Other sardines (6.92%) and mackerel 6.72%. Against the estimated catch of 18,329 tonnes of mackerel in 1987, the catch in 1988 was 24106 tonnes registering an increase of 31.5%. Among the demersal fishes, prawns constituted the major share, representing 8.97% of the total catch during 1988. The share of inland sector to total fish production in the state is 7.36%.
Export of marine products from Kerala increased to 45614 tonnes valued at Rs. 221.31 crore in 1988-89 as against 35576 tonnes in 1987-88 valued at Rs. 183.94 crore. Kerala accpunted for 37.02% of the total export of marine products from the country in terms of value and 45.71% in terms of quantity. The overall trend reveals that the prices of all the fishes were on the increase.
The achievements under the inland fisheries sector during 1988-89 include, production of 50.41 lakhs of finger-lings in the departmental fish seed farms at Malampuzha, Polarchira, Pannivelichira and Parappanangadi and the seed farms under the FFDAS at Trichur and Meenkara. During 1989, 78.73 lakhs of P. indicus, 0.93 lakhs of P. monodon and 5783 number of macro-brachium prawn seeds were produced at the shrimp hatchery at Azhikode. Under the FFDA schemes, 440 farmers were registered, 267 farmers were trained and 12 reservoris covering an area of 9953 hectare have been stocked with about 44.46 lakhs of fry/finger-ling during the year. Patrolling in backwaters to prohibit illicit fishing and marine patrolling to ensure marine regulations envisaged under the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulations Act were continued during the year under review.
The implementation of Special Component and Tribal Sub Plan Schemes also made commendable progress during 1988-89. More than 4977 scheduled caste and 1216 scheduled tribe families were benefited under these programmes during the year.
A major project for the development of prawn farming in brackish water areas was taken up during 1989-90 with the financial assistance from the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development. The programmes proposed under the project include establishment of prawn farms in 7500 hectares, establishment of prawn hatcheries, feed mills, and supporting facilities like processing, marketing etc. The total cost of the project is Rs. 7493 lakhs of which the share from Kuwaiti Fund will be Rs. 3522.40 lakh. The total project period is 10 years.

Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed)
Matsyafed the apex Federation of the 81 fisheries Development Welfare Co-operative societies has been engaged in promoting production, procurement, processing and marketing of fish and fish products. Integrated projects for Fisheries development including the motorisation of country crafts were taken up by the Federation. Outboard engines were supplied to fishermen at subsidised rate for motorising the country crafts. The NCDC assisted integrated fisheries development project is under implementation in 47 fishing villages. Under phase I of this project 291 outboard engines, 191 country crafts, 3245 kgs. of nylon twine etc. were supplied to the fushermen in 15 villages till the end of 1987-88. Upto December 1989, 587 groups comprising 3500 fishermen were benefited. The financial achievements under phase I and II up to December 1989 are Rs. 392.35 lakhs and Rs. 323.72 lakhs respectively. A number of housing programmes for fishermen are also for implementation by Matsyafed. Under subsidised housing scheme, as many as 24600 houses were completed and 1452 houses were rehabilitated till the end of 1988-89. In addition to this, 600 house are under construction in the fishermen villages with financial assistance from National Fishermen Welfare Fund. As a supporting facility for fish marketing by fisherwomen vendors, Matsyafed has been operating 6 Vanitha special bus services, Nearly 300 women vendors are benefited per day.

Fishermen Welfare Fund Board
The Fishermen Welfare Fund Board has been implementing various welfare programmes for fishermen & their families. Group Insurance Scheme, insurance for fishermen houses and fishing implements, old age pension, financial assistance for marriage of daughter of fishermen etc. are the programmes under implementation. During financial year 1988-89 assistance was provided to 4040 fishermen under various schemes and a sum of Rs. 105.65 lakh was expended.

Harbour Engineering
The main functions of the Harbour Engineering Department include investigation, preparation of project reports, design and execution of fishing harbours and fish landing centres and their maintenance. The service of the Department is available to fisheries and ports Department of the Government of Kerala. Civil works pertaining to Matsyafed schemes are also undertaken by the Department. The activities of the Department during the year under review include a project for prawn hatchery at Mopla Bay. Construction of two nursery ponds at Palaikari, and fish farms at Njarakkal and Malappuram all intended, for Matsyafed. A pilot project for generating electricity from waves at Vizhin-jam was also taken up during the period. Out of 5 fishing harbours and 16 fish landing centres so far taken upon fishing harbour and 6 landing centres were completed.

Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
The Central Institute of Fisheries, Technology is concerned with detailed research and investigations on all disciplines of fishing and fish processing. Training programmes covering various aspects of fish drying, hygienic handling of squid and cattle fish, seafood quality control net mending and weaving and in-plant training in refrigeration and air conditioning are also being organised by the Institute.