"Ear to ear! For a Vizhinjam women's group, the sea holds more 'treasures' The New Indian Express dated 28th October 2026

CMFRI, Library (2026) "Ear to ear! For a Vizhinjam women's group, the sea holds more 'treasures' The New Indian Express dated 28th October 2026. The New Indian Express.

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Abstract

A unique women-empowerment initiative in Vizhinjam, Kerala, is turning marine waste into a profitable business. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute runs the project, which trains local coastal women to craft unique jewellery from fish otoliths, also known as earstones. These inner-ear bone structures are typically discarded during fish processing but are now being upcycled into valuable decorative pieces. By transforming these marine byproducts into handcrafted accessories, the program creates a sustainable alternative livelihood for the fisherfolk community. The enterprise actively fosters women-led entrepreneurship while promoting eco-friendly utilisation of marine resources. Ultimately, this creative venture proves that the sea holds hidden treasures capable of uplifting local coastal economies.

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