The role of fisherwomen in the beche-de-mer industry

Abstract

Beche-de-mer industry is essentially a cottage industry. The men are engaged in going out into sea and diving for the material. At some places women and children are engaged in collecting holothurians during low tide from muddy flats. After men return fi-om sea the work can be taken over by women in degutting and boiling holothurians. This will reheve additional burden on men who go out into sea and also gainfiiUy engage the women. Formation of fisherwomen Societies and imparting training to them will definitely improve the beche-de-mer industry in Tamil Nadu. The active participation of fisherwomen in this foreign exchange earning industry will certainly improve both the industry and the financial conditions of the fisherwomen.