Comparative Fishing Ability and Economic Efficiency of Mechanised Trawlers Operating Along the Kerala Coast

Abstract

This study was undertaken with a view to finding out the
comparative fishing ability and economic performance of different
fishing vessel sizes 9.15 m (30'), 9.76 m (32') and 10.97 m (36')
designed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and
operating along the Kerala coast. Data were collected from selected
vessels of these sizes for four consecutive fishing seasons from
1964-65 to 1967-68. The catch / unit effort and total effort per year
for the 10.97 m (36') vessels were much better than those for the
9.76m (32') vessels. The yearly landings and the crew remuneration
for the former were about twice those of the 9.76 m (32') vessels.
The economic efficiency of the 10.97 m (36') vessels was also much
better. The decline in landings per year in both size groups was
more due to the reduction in the effort per year than the decline in
catch / unit effort.