A Study on Fishing in Tuticorin District

Abstract

Fishing has been one of the oldest economic activities of human race. It comes next only to agriculture. Fish and other sea food constitute an enchantingly of a wholesome food provision. Millions of people all over the world have been profitably engaged in fishing and fish trading over the years. The main objective of the study has been to understand the socioeconomic background of fishermen, and their income, cost and quantity of catch of fish before and after tsunami inTharuvaikulam village. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. The study covered 150 fishermen families from Tharuvaikulam village chosen at random. The sample size was 15%. Percentage analysis, averages, chi square test and probability analysis were used. It may be concluded from the analysis that the average monthly income of the fishermen families was Rs. 3041.67 before Tsunami and after Tsunami it was Rs. 3380.95. The result of chi-square- test revealed that there is significant difference between monthly income of the fishermen before and after tsunami in Tharuvaikulam village of Tuticorin District. The present study concludes that the lack of awareness and viable alternative livelihood programmes are major hindrances to improving their socio-economic status and also threatens the sustainable use of the fishing resources.