Evaluation of Compliance of Marine Fisheries of Kerala with Article 8 of FAO CCRF

Abstract

It is necessary to evaluate the compliance of local fisheries with relevant provisions of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) which is an indication of how far the code has been implemented. The present study focused on applications of the Code at the grassroot level by local fisheries management authorities in marine fisheries of Kerala with reference to guidelines for fishing operations (Article 8 of FAO CCRF). A questionnaire- based approach was used to demonstrate the compliance with the same. Study on marine fisheries of Kerala showed compliance on many areas of Article 8 like documentation of catch and effort, registration and licensing of fishing vessels, safety of fishers and insurance coverage. However, mesh size regulations as per section 4 of Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (KMFRA), 1980 were not followed. Other areas where improvement is required include Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS), fishing gear selectivity and energy optimization. An overall 54% score was obtained for compliance of marine fisheries of Kerala with Article 8 of the code.