FISHERIES

State Government Schemes

There are various schemes and projects that the Fisheries Department, Government of Kerala run to facilitate better fishing and improve production from culture based fisheries. The Department of Fisheries also involves itself in a variety of development programmes and welfare schemes for fishermen that contribute towards the growth of the fisheries sector. 

State Sector Programmes

(a) Conservation Programmes

(i) Enforcement of Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation act & Sea Rescue operation

(ii) Ranching and Backwater patrolling

(b) Marine Fisheries

(i) Bankable Scheme for input distribution

(ii) Kerosene distribution system

(c) Inland Fisheries

(i) Reservoir fisheries

(ii) Integrated prawn culture in Pokkali fields

(iii) Fish seed farms, Nurseries and hatcheries

(iv) Integrated scampi/ fish culture in Kole lands of Thrissur and paddy lands of Kuttanadu

(d) Infrastructure Development programmes

(i)Development of coastal social infrastructure facilities- Fisheries roads, dispensaries, guide lights and mobile health units

(e) Research and Extension

(ii) Extension and training

(iii) Projects, Resource, Management and Statistical cell

Ranching of open water bodies

The Fishery resource in the Inland Water bodies is depleting day by day due to over fishing, illicit ways of fishing and water pollution. Ranching of open water bodies is found to be an effective measure for the replenishment of the depleting stock. Setting up of new hatcheries & nurseries will help to produce more fingerlings so as to enable the Department to procure the required quality for open water bodies.

Fisheries Dispensaries

The State Government have so far sanctioned 37 fisheries dispensaries to be established in various coastal villages. Scheme is proposed in such a way that the land required should be provided by the local body free of cost. Buildings for dispensary are constructed by the Department & handed over to the Public Health Department for running the dispensaries with necessary personnel & equipments

Matsya Bhavan

The process of decentralised planning by the State Government during 1997-98 has brought about a sea change in the approach to planning development. Besides, a number of schemes hither to being implemented directly by the Department have been transferred to local bodies & implemented as State sponsored programmes.  In catering to needs of decentralization, the organizational structure of the Department of Fisheries was revamped & grass root level machinery was strengthened. Matsya Bhavan have been set up in coastal panchayat & a single window clearance system for the supply & service rendered to the fishermen by various agencies.

Fish Markets

The State Government is implementing a scheme for the renovation of retail fish markets owned by the local bodies. The scheme envisages provision for potable water drainage, selling platforms etc. An amount of Rs. 4 lakhs/market is granted to the local bodies for implementing the scheme.

Fish landing centres

The fish landing centres are concentrated to facilitate safe landing of fishing crafts & hygienic handling of fish.

Fisheries schools

Having recognized the importance of education in emancipating fishermen from the clutches of poverty and over-exploitation during the first five year plan, the state Government started “Fisheries Schools” under the department of Fisheries. Children belonging to fishermen community were given concessions. Teaching in all classes was done with specific attention to fishery science.  Department of fisheries started Regional Fisheries Technical High School in various districts exclusively meant for fishermen children.

Theerasamrudhi

It is a scheme that started during 2002-03 proposal for giving financial assistance for repairing fishermen houses and also providing suitable facilities.

Last updated: 28-11-2006