Fisheries

Fishing is the one of the major occupations in Chengalpattu district. The 57 kms of coastal belt of Chengalpattu district with 33 marine fishing villages from Kannathur reddy kuppam to Kottaikadu is characterized by the availability of a wide array of marine species and thus marine fisheries is considered as most important livelihood in the coastal area.

II. MARINE FISHERIES POTENTIAL

The district is blessed with vast marine resources which provide livelihood to more than 6,400 fishermen families who are involved in direct and indirect fisheries activities. The marine fish production of the district is estimated at 13,023.37 tons (2014-15). The commercially important fishes landed are Clupeids (Sardines, Wolf Herring, Anchovies, Ribbon fishes), Carangids (Mackerel, Scads), Seer Fish (King Seer, Barracudas), Elasmobranchs (Sharks, Rays), Perches (Snappers, Threadfin breams, Silver bellies, Pomfrets) Shrimps, Crabs, Squids and Cuttlefishes.

III. INLAND FISHERIES POTENTIAL

The major inland water body for fisheries activities in Chengalpattu district is Kolavoi reservoir at the outskirts of Chengalpattu town. Both license and share fishing systems are followed in the inland water bodies of the district. Licensed fishing is carried out in Kolavai reservoir by members of Inland Fishermen co-operative societies.

In order to effectively utilize the inland aquatic resources, cage culture practice was implemented in Kolavai reservoir, Chengalpattu under the National Mission for Protein Supplements (NMPS) programme. The species utilized for cage culture are genetically improved farmed Tilapia and Pangasius. In Kolavai reservoir, culture activities are taken up in 82 cages (58 cages – 6m x 4m and 24 cages – 4mx 4m). Apart from culture activities, seed rearing cages have been installed at Kolavai reservoir. Moreover, one fish seed rearing Centre is situated at Athur village of Chengalpattu district.

IV. FLAGSHIP SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED THROUGH FISHERIES
DEPARTMENT IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT

4.1. NATIONAL SAVINGS-CUM-RELIEF SCHEME (NFSRS) FOR MARINE FISHERMEN

Under this Scheme relief assistance provided to the beneficiaries is shared equally between the Centre and the State and the relief amount is being disbursed to the marine fishermen every year, during lean fishing months (October to December) in Chengalpattu District. Based on the revised pattern of assistance approved by the Government of India, a fisher man contributes Rs.1500/- at the rate of Rs.175/- per month as his share for first eight months (January to August) and Rs 100/- during the month of September every year. The contribution is matched with the total amount of Rs.3,000/- shared equally by the Central and State Governments (i.e. Rs.1500/- each). Thus, a sum of Rs.4,500/- including the fishermen contribution is disbursed to the beneficiaries during the lean months. The relief amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s account through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT).

4.2. TAMILNADU SAVINGS-CUM-RELIEF SCHEME FOR MARINE FISHERWOMEN

This Scheme is being implemented as a State Sector Plan Scheme and the guidelines are related to the similar scheme for marine fishermen. Since this scheme is being implemented based on the guidelines issued for implementing the scheme for fishermen, the Government of Tamil Nadu have enhanced the relief amount totalling from Rs.2,700/- to Rs.4,500/-. Under the revised pattern of assistance, a fisherwoman contributes Rs.1500/-at the rate of Rs.175/- per month as her share for eight months (April to November) and Rs 100/. during the month of December every year. The contribution is matched with the total amount of Rs.3,000/- provided by State Government. Thus, a sum of Rs.4, 500/- including the fisherwomen’s contribution is disbursed to the beneficiaries during the lean months. The relief amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s account through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT).

4.3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF RS.5, 000/- TO MARINE FISHERMEN FAMILIES DURING FISHING BAN PERIOD

In order to conserve the marine fishery resources, fishing ban is implemented for 61 days. (which was previously 45 days) from the year 2017 (i.e. from April 15th to May 29th in the East Coast region). The fishermen who are engaged as crew / laborers in the fishing boats have no other source of income during the ban period leading to much hardship in maintaining their families. To alleviate the sufferings of the poor fishermen crew / laborers who are actually involved in marine fishing activities, this Government of Tamil Nadu have enhanced the relief assistance given to marine fishermen families from Rs.2,000/- to Rs.5,000/ from the year 2017 . The relief amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s account through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT).

4.4. SPECIAL ALLOWANCE OF RS.5, 000/- TO MARINE FISHERMEN FAMILIES DURING LEAN FISHING SEASON

Subsequent to the announcement made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the State Legislative Assembly during August 2011, the Government introduced a new Scheme for disbursement of a Special Allowance of Rs.4,000/- to each of the marine fishermen families in coastal Districts to mitigate their sufferings in the lean fishing months. The relief amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s account through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT). Presently, the special allowance for lean fishing season has been enhanced from Rs.4,000/- to Rs.5,000/- per fishermen family.

4.5. GROUP ACCIDENT INSURANCE SCHEME FOR FISHERFOLK

This is a Centrally Sponsored scheme equally Shared by both State and Central Government. Under this scheme, insurance premium is not collected from the fishermen. In the event of death, missing and permanent disability, relief assistance of Rs.2,00,000/- will be given to the victim’s family. In the event of partial disability, relief assistance the cover of Rs.1, 00,000/- with a cover of Rs.10,000/- towards hospitalization expenses will be paid.

4.6. PROVINDING FISHING GEARS TO INLAND FISHERMEN AT SUBSIDIZED COST

To increase the fishing efficiency and to increase productivity, fishing net worth Rs.20, 000/- to each inland fisherman is provided with 40 % net subsidy. Under the scheme priority is given to members of inland fishermen societies.