Socio-economic impact assessment ofmonsoon trawl ban on marine fisheriessector of Kerala, India

Considering monsoon trawl ban as one of the important regulatory measures for resource conservation, in Kerala State an analysis was conducted to study the socio-economic impact of trawl ban to marine fisheries sector. Growth and instability in landings in the pre and post ban periods were analysed and the results showed the marine fish landings at a stabilised state with a positive growth rate of 0.108 % and a lower instability index of 11.4 in the post ban period. Analysis of the characteristics of ring seine fishery during ban period showed that nearly 10% of the trawl workers were employed in the ring seine units. The overall employment loss to fishing, fishing related and non-fishing activities during the ban period was assessed and policy suggestions given for alternate employment options for mechanised fisherfolk.