Analysis of Socio-economic Variables and Impact of Tsunami among the Mechanized Boat Operators in Tamilnadu

Abstract

The post-Tsunami fisheries scenario and socioeconomic conditions among the mechanized boat operators in Tamilnadu were studied. The data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 60 mechanized boat operators from Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts (30 per district) in Tamilnadu. The average fishing days in a year was 217 and 213 for Cuddalore and Nagapattinam respectively. The average investment on fishing unit was Rs 15.50 and Rs 16.38 lakhs respectively in both the centres. Almost all the respondents in both the districts reported no change in various parameters viz., demand for fish, price of fish, change in the taste or quality of fish, urbanization/migration and changes in health, sanitation, nutritional status and outbreak of any disease after Tsunami. Increased fishing pressure, introduction of steel trawlers, ring seine operation, large mesh trawls, double-rig trawling, single-day to multi-day fishing, larger boats and usage of electronic instruments were found to be the major changes in the post-Tsunami period. Significant changes could be observed in the present value of craft and gear, investment and indebtedness in the pre and post-Tsunami periods. Majority of the respondents in both the study areas expressed satisfaction with the adequacy of mitigation measures such as supply/replacement/repair of fishing devices, technological assistance, credit facilities, health and hygiene.