Structural change in the traditional fishery of Kerala and its socio economic implications

Abstract

Motorization of traditional fishing craft has paved the way for a structural change in the artisanal fishery of Kerala. During the mid eighties the traditional sector started operating mini purse seines (Ring seine) and mini trawl nets and consequently the traditional gears in vogue for decades have been either disappeared or thoroughly modified. These two gears together contributed to more than 80% of the traditional landings. Hence the traditional fishing scenario has been completely changed which resulted in far reaching developments in the artisanal fishery sector.