Assessment of Chank Fishing as Livelihood in Therespuram, Tuticorin

Chank fishing is one of the oldest professions carried out through traditional diving methods in coastal waters of Tamil Nadu. From generations, fishers have progressed from stone and rope to scuba equipmenst and other locally designed contraptions for diving into waters. Current study had been carried out to assess the role of chank fishery in fisher’s livelihood of Therespuram fishing village, Tuticorin. Primary data was collected from purposively selected forty fishers by using structured interview schedule. Results of this study reveals that 45 % of middle aged (3545 years) fisher’s were found to be engaged in chank diving. Fishers below 35 years of age were found to be educated but could earn less than their counter parts of middle aged ones. Fisher’s physical fitness and chank collection skills are essential traits for chank diving. Chank fishing was reported as the primary source of income for these fisher’s and their average net income was estimated as ₹ 12 lakhs/annum/boat. They spend majorily (65%) on food items followed by individual health care and children education. Due to prolonged underwater exposure, health problems followed by debt were reported as major constraints by the fishers. By performing a skilled job like chank fishing, fisher’s had to face several occupational hazards in coastal waters. Thus, appropriate onshore medical facility in case of emergency, adequate training towards scientific diving, uses of improved diving equipment and alternative employment during off season are utmost important to enhance fisher’s livelihood in Therespuram village.