FISHING IN TAMILNADU

Fishery Resources of Tamil Nadu are categorised as Marine, Inland and Brackish water.

Marine Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries

Tamil Nadu has 1.9 lakh sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a continental shelf of 41,412 sq.km. The marine fisher Population in Tamil Nadu is 9.43 lakh, living in 608 fishing villages in the 13 coastal districts. The inshore waters of 1,016 km length of the coast on the eastern side and 60 km length of the coast on the western side are overexploited, whereas the offshore and deep sea resources are yet to be exploited to its optimum levels. The marine fish production of the State presently is estimated as 4.57 lakh tones against the estimated potential of 7 lakh tones.

Inland Fisheries

Tamil Nadu is endowed with 3.83 lakh ha. of effective water spread area in which 69% of the water spread comprises of long seasonal / short seasonal Irrigation Water Resources. Tamil Nadu being a water starved State, has water in most of these water bodies for a short period of 4-5 months only. The inland fisher population is about 2.27 lakh. Inland fisheries has gained popularity and emerged as an important source of livelihood for fisherfolk / fish farmers in Tamil Nadu. The inland fishery resources of our State comprises of reservoirs, major irrigation and long seasonal tanks, short seasonal tanks and ponds which are amenable to both capture and culture fisheries. About 5,000 ha of ponds and tanks are being utilised for fresh water aquaculture under the programme of District Fish Farmers Development Agency (DFFDA). Under the Intensive inland fish culture and Marketing scheme, about 24,600 ha of ponds and tanks are utilised for inland fish culture. The short water retention period in ponds and tanks due to erratic and scanty rain fall necessitates promoting and stocking of fast growing, short seasonal fish species such as Amur Carp, Genetically Improved and Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), Jayanthi Rohu, Pangasius sp., etc.

The Inland fisheries sector of the State has the potential to contribute 4.50 lakh tonnes of fish production in times of normal rainfall, for which 70 crore fingerlings are required. The Government through various schemes such as NADP, NMPS, IAMWARM, WGDP, NABARD, etc., has improved the Government fish farm facilities as well as encouraged the private farmers to create fish seed rearing farms. An additional rearing area of 40 ha has been created both in Government and private sector which lead to an all time highest fish seed production of 45 crore during 2014-15, thereby reducing the fish seed gap from 46 to 25 crore.

Brackish water Fisheries

In Tamil Nadu, the total extent of brackish water spread is estimated as 56,000 ha which is used for capture fisheries. Apart from that, about 7,100 ha area is under coastal aquaculture production mainly comprising of shrimp. In Tamil Nadu, shrimp farming has grown considerably and has emerged as a major commercial enterprise owing to the introduction of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. So far, 1,694 shrimp farms have been registered under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act, 2005.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP

The Commissioner of Fisheries is the Head of the Department, the Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Limited, (TNFDC Ltd.,) a Public sector undertaking of the Tamil Nadu Government, the Functional Registrar of all Fishermen Cooperative Societies including Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative Federation (TAFCOFED) and also the Member Secretary of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board (TNFWB).

The budgetary allocation for the fisheries sector has increased manifold due to expansion of activities. This has necessitated the re- organisation of the fisheries department during 2012-13, so as to ensure effective and efficient service delivery system. Accordingly, two posts in the cadre of Joint Director of Fisheries in the head office have been upgraded to the level of Additional Director of Fisheries. Further, the State is divided into 10 regions, out of which 3 regions are headed by Joint Directors of Fisheries (Chennai, Nagapattinam and Thoothukudi) and 7 regions are headed by Deputy Directors of Fisheries (Cuddalore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Nagercoil, Dharmapuri and Bhavanisagar) who monitor and supervise the activities of 49 Assistant Directors of Fisheries and implement various developmental and fishermen welfare schemes. Further, during 2013-14, the Engineering wing headed by the Chief Engineer has also been re-organised with four divisions at Chennai, Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi and Nagercoil to monitor the engineering works that are being carried out by the 14 sub-divisions.,

Fishing in Tamil Nadu

Fishing is an important part of the economy and culture of Tamil Nadu. The state has a long coastline and a rich marine life, making it a prime destination for fishermen. There are many different types of fish caught in Tamil Nadu, including tuna, mackerel, sardines, and shrimp. Fishing methods vary depending on the type of fish being caught, but some common methods include trawling, gill netting, and line fishing. Fishing gear also varies, but some common types of gear include nets, traps, and lines.

There are several different fishing seasons in Tamil Nadu, depending on the type of fish being caught. The best time to catch tuna is from April to June, while the best time to catch mackerel is from July to September. Shrimp can be caught year-round, but the best time is from October to December.

There are many different fishing spots in Tamil Nadu, but some of the most popular include Marina Beach in Chennai, Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar, and Golden Beach in Kovalam. These beaches are all well-equipped with facilities for fishermen, such as jetties, boat ramps, and fish markets.

There are a number of fishing regulations in Tamil Nadu, which are designed to protect the marine Environment and ensure the sustainability of the fishing Industry. These regulations include restrictions on the type of gear that can be used, the size of the fish that can be caught, and the number of fish that can be caught per day.

Fishing licenses are required for all fishermen in Tamil Nadu. The cost of a license varies depending on the type of fishing that will be done. Licenses can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries in Tamil Nadu.

There are a number of fishing associations in Tamil Nadu, which represent the interests of fishermen. These associations work to improve the lives of fishermen through advocacy, Education, and training.

There are a number of fishing festivals in Tamil Nadu, which celebrate the importance of fishing in the state’s culture. These festivals often feature traditional music, dance, and food.

Fishing cuisine is an important part of the Tamil Nadu diet. Fish is often cooked in a variety of ways, including curries, fry, and roast. Some popular fish dishes include Meen Kuzhambu (fish curry), Meen Varuval (fish fry), and Meen Roast (fish roast).

Fishing folklore is an important part of the Tamil Nadu culture. There are many stories and legends about fishermen and their experiences at sea. These stories often teach valuable lessons about life and the importance of hard work.

Fishing art is an important part of the Tamil Nadu culture. There are many paintings, sculptures, and other works of art that depict fishermen and their work. These works of art often celebrate the beauty of the sea and the importance of fishing in the state’s economy.

Fishing literature is an important part of the Tamil Nadu culture. There are many books, poems, and other works of literature that deal with fishing. These works of literature often explore the themes of life, death, and the human condition.

Fishing research is an important part of the Tamil Nadu economy. There are many research institutions in Tamil Nadu that study fish and the marine environment. This research is used to improve the sustainability of the fishing industry and to protect the marine environment.

Fishing conservation is an important part of the Tamil Nadu culture. There are many organizations in Tamil Nadu that work to protect fish and the marine environment. These organizations work to educate the public about the importance of conservation and to promote sustainable fishing practices.

Fishing education is an important part of the Tamil Nadu economy. There are many schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu that offer courses in fisheries science. These courses provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to work in the fishing industry.

Fishing tourism is an important part of the Tamil Nadu economy. There are many fishing resorts and charter boats in Tamil Nadu that offer fishing tours to tourists. These tours provide tourists with the opportunity to experience the thrill of fishing in the Indian Ocean.

Here are some frequently asked questions about fishing in Tamil Nadu:

What is the best time of year to go fishing in Tamil Nadu?
The best time to go fishing in Tamil Nadu is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the water is cooler and clearer, and there is more plankton in the water, which attracts fish.
What are the best places to go fishing in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the best places to go fishing in Tamil Nadu include the following:
The backwaters of the Cauvery River
The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, such as Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Pondicherry
The lakes and reservoirs of Tamil Nadu, such as the Stanley Reservoir and the Mettur Dam
What kind of fish can you catch in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the fish that you can catch in Tamil Nadu include the following:
Carp
Catfish
Eels
Mackerel
Mullet
Perch
Rohu
Salmon
Sardines
Tilapia
What is the best bait to use for fishing in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the best bait to use for fishing in Tamil Nadu include the following:
Earthworms
Fish heads
Fish intestines
Shrimp
Crabs
Insects
Grains
What is the best fishing gear to use in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the best fishing gear to use in Tamil Nadu include the following:
A rod and reel
A fishing line
A hook
A sinker
A bobber
A net
What are the rules and regulations for fishing in Tamil Nadu?
It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations for fishing in Tamil Nadu before you go fishing. Some of the rules and regulations include the following:
You must have a valid fishing license.
You must not fish in certain areas, such as national parks and sanctuaries.
You must not use certain types of fishing gear, such as nets.
You must not catch certain types of fish, such as endangered species.
What are some safety tips for fishing in Tamil Nadu?
It is important to be aware of the safety tips for fishing in Tamil Nadu before you go fishing. Some of the safety tips include the following:
Wear a life jacket when you are fishing in a boat.
Be aware of the tides and currents.
Do not fish alone.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Be prepared for the weather.
What are some of the challenges of fishing in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the challenges of fishing in Tamil Nadu include the following:
The weather can be unpredictable.
The water can be rough.
The fish can be difficult to catch.
There are many rules and regulations.
There are many people fishing in the same areas.
What are some of the rewards of fishing in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the rewards of fishing in Tamil Nadu include the following:
It is a relaxing and enjoyable activity.
It is a great way to spend time with friends and family.
It is a great way to get exercise.
It is a great way to learn about the environment.
It is a great way to catch some delicious fish.

Which of the following is not a type of fishing?
(A) Trawling
(B) Gillnetting
(C) Longlining
(D) Surfcasting
Which of the following is the most common type of fishing in Tamil Nadu?
(A) Trawling
(B) Gillnetting
(C) Longlining
(D) Surfcasting
What is the main catch of Tamil Nadu fishermen?
(A) Tuna
(B) Mackerel
(C) Shrimp
(D) Crab
Which of the following is not a threat to marine life in Tamil Nadu?
(A) Overfishing
(B) Pollution
(C) Climate change
(D) Deforestation
What is the government of Tamil Nadu doing to protect marine life?
(A) Cracking down on illegal fishing
(B) Funding research into marine conservation
(C) Creating marine Protected Areas
(D) All of the above
What is the impact of overfishing on marine life?
(A) It reduces the number of fish in the ocean, which can lead to the collapse of fish populations.
(B) It can damage coral reefs and other marine habitats.
(C) It can lead to the extinction of some species of fish.
(D) All of the above.
What is the impact of pollution on marine life?
(A) It can kill fish and other marine animals.
(B) It can damage coral reefs and other marine habitats.
(C) It can make fish unsafe to eat.
(D) All of the above.
What is the impact of Climate Change on marine life?
(A) It can cause coral reefs to bleach and die.
(B) It can cause fish to move to new areas in search of food.
(C) It can lead to the extinction of some species of fish.
(D) All of the above.
What can you do to help protect marine life?
(A) Reduce your consumption of seafood.
(B) Support sustainable fishing practices.
(C) Recycle and reduce your waste.
(D) All of the above.
What is the Marine Life Protection Act?
(A) It is a law that protects marine life in Tamil Nadu.
(B) It is a law that regulates fishing in Tamil Nadu.
(C) It is a law that creates marine protected areas in Tamil Nadu.
(D) All of the above.