Technological innovations and fishing effort: Paradigm shifts in the trawl fishery of Munambam Fishing Harbour, Kerala, South India

Shyam, S Salim and Stanley, Lowrane and Athira, N R (2026) Technological innovations and fishing effort: Paradigm shifts in the trawl fishery of Munambam Fishing Harbour, Kerala, South India. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 73 (2). pp. 164-174. ISSN 0970-6011

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Abstract

Technological advancements and modernisation have greatly transformed the Indian fisheries sector, especially with the rising human population, urbanisation, and shifts in the country’s macroeconomic environment. The present study focuses on the technological innovations, fishing effort and the resulting paradigm shifts in the trawl fishery of Munambam Fishing Harbour, one of the major fish landing centres located on Vypin Island in Ernakulam District, Kerala, by comparing conditions during 2013, 2018 and 2023. Mechanised trawl fisheries constitute a significant portion of the fish landings at this harbour. The study documents substantial changes in operational practices, fishing effort, and labour dynamics during the study period. Both single-day and multi-day trawlers operate from this harbour, with multi-day vessels engaging in fishing trips lasting from 8-12 days with 6-16 crew members, including the skipper, engine driver, and deckhands. A notable shift in labour composition was observed during the study with a decline in the availability of native labour owing to better opportunities elsewhere, leading to an influx of migrant workers into the sector. Economic analysis indicated marked increase in operational costs, with the average expenditure per fishing trip rising from ₹1.59 lakhs in 2013 to ₹4.98 lakhs in 2023, mainly due to increased crew share and fuel costs. The crew share accounted for 62.96% of the total operating cost in 2013, whereas fuel cost accounted for 33.06% of the total operating cost in 2023. The operating ratio was 0.73 in 2023, indicating that only 27% of the total income is available to cover the capital costs and generate profit for the vessel owner. The study also identified that mechanisation and resultant modern fishing methods have enhanced vessel efficiency, increasing harvesting capacity, while contributing to the socio-economic wellbeing of fishing communities. However, given the increased fishing power associated with mechanisation, the study emphasises the need for effective fisheries management strategies to maintain a sustainable balance between harvesting capacity and resource availability.

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