Economic Efficiency of Purse-Seine Fishing Operation along Ratnagiri Coast of Maharashtra State

Abstract

Purse-seining is one of the most advanced and efficient fishing methods. Considering the purseseine fishing as an important pelagic fishing activity along the West coast of India, study was carried out to analyze its costs and earning as well as its economic efficiency. Purse-seine vessels operated along the Ratnagiri coast during 16th August 2008 to 31st May 2009 (fishing period of year) were considered for collection of primary data related to costs and earning. In catch composition, Indian oil sardine (28.58%) and cat fish (24.30%) contributed more in the fish catches of purse-seine operated from Mirkarwada fish landing centre. Though the major species caught were not high priced, the quantity of catch was enough to earn adequate revenue and to make purse-seine operation profitable. Capital turnover ratio was estimated at 2.15 which measure the efficiency of purse-seine owner in managing and utilizing fixed assets. Operating cost fixed and variable cost ratios were 0.63, 0.45 and 0.17 respectively. The ratio of annual net profit to the capital investment was estimated at 0.80 which indicated the efficient financial performance of purse-seine fishing vessels. Payback period for capital investment was 1.09 years. All these efficiency ratios showed that the purse-seine fishing along Ratnagiri coast was highly profitable and economically viable business during the fishing season.