ISRO NAVIC FISHERMEN PROJECT

 

Most fishermen have poor fishing equipment which leads to a low catch. Fishermen even lack appropriate storage and preservation facilities. The occurrence of strong wind leads to high waves causing accidental drowning or destruction of fishing vessels and nets. Presence of water hyacinth, entangles and tears the fishing nets and thus hindering movements of Fishing boats. Along with this, the fishermen even face challenges associated with the devices and instruments. Hence to understand the occupational problems and the support system extended to fishermen in coastal regions, this study has been undertaken.

 

1. To understand the personal profile of respondents.
2. To know the occupational profile of fishermen in coastal areas.
3. To know the usages and implications of fishing devices.
4. To understand the challenges and coping strategies adopted by Fishermen.
5. To understand various Government facilities provided to Fishing community.
6. To recommend strategies based on the suggestive measures of the Fishermen

The present study was carried out at coastal regions of Dakshina Kannada district  ( Dakke, Bengre, Hosabettu, Panambur) and Udupi District (Malpe, Gangolli).All the people of these areas  are  more or less involved  with the fishing and coastal areas  play an important role in improvement of the present lifestyle of fishermen too. Hence, the study is undertaken in this region.

Data was collected using surveys, Focussed groups, key informant interviews and direct observations. Survey was done for the study and interviewees were selected randomly. The survey design is based on expert advice from the communities of Fishermen for collecting base line fisheries data. Total sample of 420 was collected for the study.215 respondents were selected from coastal regions of Udupi district and 205 respondents were selected from Dakshina Kannada district.

The results of the study would be of great importance for further research. The recommendations based on the results of the study would be helpful in developing strategies to deal with the problems associated with devices used by the fishermen and also to recommend the concerned Governmental authorities to deal with the problem of fishermen in coastal regions.

The following table examines the type of boats used by fishermen in coastal areas for fishing.

Table No.1

Sl.No	Type of Boats	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Local Boat	178	42
02	Persian	217	52
03	Deep sea	25	6
Total		420	100.0

Majority,i.e,52 per cent  of the fishermen in coastal areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district makes use of Persian boats for fishing. About 42 per cent  of them are traditional fishermen who still use the local boats(Naadadoni) while only 6% of them depends on Deep sea for their fishing purpose.

 

The below table explains the number of employees in boats.

Table No.2

Sl.No	Number of workers	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	0-5	55	13
02	5-10	92	22
03	10-15	19	4.5
04	15-20	6	1.4
05	20-30	23	5.5
06	30 and above	225	54
Total		420	100

Out of the total respondents under study,majority,i.e, 54 per cent have above 30 workers working in their boats.22 per cent have 5-10 workers,13 per cent have 0-5 workers working in their boats while 15-20 workers are working with only 1 per cent of the respondents.

Ages of the respondents under study are explained here.

Table No.3

Sl.No	Age	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	18-25	16	3.8
02	25-35	69	16.4
03	35-45	211	50.2
04	45-55	88	21.0
05	55 and above	36	8.6
Total		420	100.0

The above table shows that majority of the fishermen under study,i.e,50.2 per cent  belong to the age group of 35-45 years. About 21per cent  of them are in the age bracket of 45-55 years,16.4 per cent  of them are in the age group of 25-35 years. The fishermen in the age group of 18-25 (3.8%) and 55 and above age group (8.6%) is  very less. Thus  majority of the respondents represent  the young age group.

Table No.4

Sl.No	Educational Qualification	No. of respondents			Percentage
01	Illiterate		99	23.6
02	Primary		114	27.1
03	High school		155	36.9
04	PU		32	7.6
05	Degree		10	2.4
06	PG		9	2.1
07	Diploma/ITI		1	.2
Total			420	100

Among the total respondents under study, majority, i.e, 36.9 per cent  have studied upto SSLC,27.1 per cent  of them have gone upto   primary school,23.6 per cent of the respondents are illiterates. Fishermen with a qualification of Secondary level education are less (7.6%).Only 2.4 per cent of the respondents are graduates and 2.1 per cent have qualification of Post-Graduation. Only one respondent under study is a Diploma holder. Thus educational background of the respondents shows that it is very low.

The table examines the experience of the respondents in Fishing.

Table No.5

Sl.No	Fishing experience	No. Of respondents	Percentage
01	0-2 years	13	3.1
02	2-4 years	9	2.1
03	4-6 years	12	2.9
04	6-8 years	10	2.4
05	8-10 years	28	6.7
06	above 10 years	348	82.8
Total		420	100.0

The table analyses the fact that majority, i.e, 348 respondents have more than 10 years of fishing experience. About 12 per cent of the respondents under study have fishing experience below 10 years and only 5.2 per cent of them have 4 years of fishing experience. Thus majority of the respondents under study are experienced fishermen.

Native places of respondents under study are discussed below.

Table No.6

Sl.No	Native Places of respondents	No. Of respondents	Percentage
01	Udupi and D.K District	334	79.5
02	Uttara Kannada District	38	9.04
03	Koppala District	13	3.09
04	Kerala	9	2.14
05	Andra Pradesh	16	3.80
06	Tamil Nadu	3	0.71
07	Uttara Pradesh	7	1.66
Total		420	100

It is shown in the above table that majority,i.e,79.5 per cent  of the respondents under study belongs to Udupi and  Dakshina Kannada Districts of  Karnataka.9 per cent  of them are from Uttara Kannada district,3.09% of them are from Koppala districts of Karnataka. It is imperative to  note  that the respondents are also from other states like, Kerala (2.14%), Andra Pradesh (3.80%),Tamil Nadu (0.71%) and U.P(1.66%).Though the majority respondents are from Dakshina Kannada district, these coastal areas have also attracted many fishermen from other districts and states.

The table examines the fishing places of the fishermen under study.

Table No.7

Sl.No	Location of Fishing	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Mangalore Region(D.k District)	164	39.04
02	All the coastal areas	13	3.1
03	Arabian sea	9	2.1
04	Malpe/Gangolli (Udupi district)	215	51.2
05	Bombay	1	0.2
06	Karavara	5	1.2
07	Goa	8	1.9
08	Kochi	5	1.2
Total		420	100.0

 

The fishing places of majority of the responsdents,i.e,51.2 per cent  is Malpe(Udupi district),39.04 per cent  of the respondents prefer Mangalore coastal regions. About  3.1 per cent  of the respondents go for fishing in all the coastal areas.2.1 per cent  of the respondents prefer Arabian sea and the remaining respondents (4.5%) prefer other states and districts  for fishing.

The table examines the type of family to which the respondents belong.

Table No.8

Sl.No	Kind of Family	No. Of respondents	Percentage
01	Fishermen family	392	93.3
02	Non-Fishermen family	28	6.7
Total		420	100.0

 

The above table shows that majority of the respondents under study,i.e, 93.3 per cent  belong to traditional Fishermen families  while 6.7 per cent  of them do not represent traditional  fishermen families.

 

Table No.9

Sl.No	Distance travelled	No. Of respondents	Percentage
01	5-20 Kms	71	16.9
02	20-50  Kms	82	19.5
03	50- 100 kms	67	16.0
04	100-500  kms	187	44.5
05	500 and above	13	3.09
Total		420	100

 

With regard to distance travelled for fishing, it is found that majority, i.e, 44.5 per cent  of the respondents travel for about 100-500 kms. The respondents who travel between 5 – 50 kms are about 36.4 per cent while 16per cent   of the respondents travel for about 50-100 kms. It is even found that only 3.09 per cent of the respondents under study travel above 500 kms.

The following table analyses the methods adopted by the fishermen to measure the distance.

Table No.10

Sl.No	Methods to measure distance	No. Of respondents	Percentage
01	Experience/Assumption	67	11.7
02	GPS, wireless and fishfinder	287	74.5
03	Using rope	66	3.8
Total		420	100

 

The table shows that majority, i.e,74.5 per cent of the respondents use GPS, Wireless and fish finder device to measure the distance. About 11.7 per cent of the respondents measure the distance on the basis of their experience while 3.8 per cent use a rope to measure the distance travelled.

The table discusses the kind of fish available for fishermen under study.

Table No.11

Sl.No	Kind of fish available	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	King Fish	10	2.38
02	Pom Fish	4	0.95
03	Pony Fish	2	0.47
04	Sole Fish	8	1.90
05	Mackerel & Sardine	234	55.71
06	All types	162	39
Total		420	100.0

 

It is found that Mackerel & Sardine are the two specific kinds of fishes which are available for majority of the fishermen in coastal regions(56%).About 39 per cent of them are able to catch all kinds of fishes.

The table examines the methods adopted by the fishermen to identify the fish.

Table No.12

Sl.No	Method of Identifying Fish	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Knowledge/Experience	338	80.5
02	shape of the fish	22	5.2
03	Fish finder	60	14.3
Total		420	100.0

 

It is found that majority of the respondents, i.e, 80.5 per cent  identify the fishes on the basis of their knowledge and experience. About 14.3 per cent of the respondents use fish finder to identify the type of fish while 5.2 per cent  of them identify them on the basis of their shape. Thus the  traditional fishermen identify the type of fish on their occupational experience.

The table examines the type of boats used by the respondents while catching the fishes.

Table No.13

Sl.No	Types of Boats	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Motorised	417	99.3
02	Non-motorized	3	.7
Total		420	100.0

 

Majority, i.e, 99.3 per cent  of the respondents use motorised boats for  fishing where as only 3 respondents use non-motorised boats for fishing.

The different instruments used by the fishermen is examined here.

Table No.14

Sl.No	Fishing Instruments	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Fish net	58	14
02	GPS	242	58
03	Fish finder	56	13
04	Echo sounder	17	4
05	Wireless Device	47	11
Total		420	100

 

Majority of the respondents, i.e, 58 per cent make use of GPS for fishing. About 14 per cent of them use only fishing net while, Fish finder is used by 13 per cent of the respondents. Among the total respondents, 11 per cent use wireless device and it is only 4 per cent of the respondents who use echo sounder Thus most of the fishermen in coastal areas use GPS for fishing.

The table examines the source of instruments used by the fishermen

Table No.15

Sl. No	Instrument	Source	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	GPS-FURUNO	Japan	186	44
02	GPS-GARMIN	India	18	31
03	GPS-KODANE	Japan	38	9
04	Fish finder- Kodane	Japan	13	7
05	Fish finder-Furuno	Japan	43	16
06	Wireless-ICOM	Japan	17	8
07	Wireless-Motorola	India	30	3
Total			345	100

 

Majority of the respondents in the present study use GPS –Furuno(44%) for fishing. With regard to fish finder, majority use Fish finder-Furuno(16%).About 8 per cent of the respondents use Wireless-ICOM for fishing.

The App used by the fishermen is presented here.

Table No.16

Sl.No.	Name of the App	No.of respondents	Percentage
01	AIS	35	8
02	Track India	08	2
03	No App	377	90
Total		420	100

Among the total respondents, only 8 per cent of the respondents use AIS app while 2 per cent of them use Track India App   for fishing. Thus it is imperative to note that the fishermen in coastal areas are not using any of the Apps for fishing, which shows that the technical exposure of fishermen in coastal areas of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts  is very less.

Table No: 17

Sl. No	Name of the Instrument	Usage	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	·         To findout the route ·         To measure the distance	232	55
02	Fish finder	·         To detect the rock in the sea ·         To find the availability of fishes	56	13.3
03	Echo sounder	·         To detect the obstacles under the sea before putting the net	10	2.4
04	Wireless Device	·         Fish finder	47	11.2
Total			345	100

Among the total respondents who make use of instruments of fishing, it is found that majority,i.e,55  per cent use GPS to measure the distance and to find the route while 13.3 per cent of them use Fish finder to detect the rock in the sea (13.3%).About 11.2 per cent use wireless device for  finding  the fishes.

The table explains the cost incurred on fishing instruments.

Table No.18

Sl.No.	Cost of the instrument	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Below 5,000	18	4.3
02	5,000 to 20,000	37	8.8
03	20,000 to 50,000	43	10.2
04	50,000 to 1,00,000	95	22.6
05	1,00,000 to 2,00,000	204	48.6
06	2,00,000 and above	23	5.5
Total		420	100.0

The fishermen in the present study who spend about 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 are about 48.6 per cent. About 22.6 per cent of the respondents spend 50,000 to 1,00,000 for the instrument while 10.2 per cent  spend around 50,000. Only 5.5 per cent  of the respondents are able to spend an amount of Rs.2,00,000 and above. Thus the table indicates that the fishermen need to spend a huge amount of money on fishing instruments.

The table analyses the methods adopted by the fishermen in identifying the potential areas for fishing.

Table No.19

Sl.No	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	230	55
02	Fish finder	99	24
03	Trolling	9	2
04	Message from Fisheries dept	17	4
05	News from other fishermen	29	7
06	Experience	36	8
Total		420	100

 

It is clear from the above table that majority, i.e, 55 per cent of the respondents use GPS to identify the potential area for fishing. The other methods adopted are Fish finder(24%), Trolling (2%), Message from Fisheries department(4%), News from other fishermen(7%). About 8 per cent of the respondents are dependent on their own experiences for the same.

The table examines the position or location of fishermen.

Table No.20

Sl.No	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	242	57.61
02	Wireless	25	5.95
03	Fish finder	88	20.95
04	Trolling	16	3.60
05	Compass	14	3.32
06	Observation	36	8.57
Total		420	100.0

The location of the fishermen is identified with GPS by majority of the respondents (72.6%).About 20.95 per cent of the respondents use Fish finder to identify the location.5.95 per cent of the respondents are dependent on wireless instrument and 3.60 per cent use trolling for the same. Apart from these, 3.32 per cent of them use compass to identify the location and 8.57per cent are dependent on their own observation for identification. Thus GPS is used by majority for identification.

Navigation identification methods adopted by the fishermen are explained here.

Table No.21

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents		Percentage
01	GPS	242		57.68
02	Wireless		8	1.9
03	News from other fishermen		6	1.4
04	Trolling		5	1.2
05	Weather forecast		6	1.4
06	Compass		34	8.1
07	Sun direction		2	.5
08	Experience		43	10.2
09	Fish finder		74	17.61
Total		420		100.0

Among the total respondents under study, majority, i.e, 57.68 percent use GPS for navigation direction. About 17.61 percent make use of Fish finder to find out the direction. The other methods used by the fishermen are compass (8.1%), wireless (1.9%),trolling (1.2%),weather forecast (1.4%).Other than these the fishermen makes use of their own experiences(10.2%) as well as sun direction (0.5%) to identify the direction. Communication by other   fishermen are also used to find out the navigation direction(1.4%).

The table examines the methods adopted by the fishermen to identify the cyclone while fishing.

Table No.22

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	48	11.4
02	Weather Forecast	165	39.3
03	Fish finder	5	1.2
04	No App	127	30.2
05	Wireless	31	7.38
06	Experience	44	10.5
Total		420	100

 

Majority of the respondents, i.e, 39.3 per cent are dependent on weather forecast by the Fisheries Department to know about the cyclone. About 11.4 percent of them make use of GPS,10.5 per cent decides on the basis of their own experience, fish finders are used by 1.2 per cent of the respondents while 7.38 per cent of them are using wireless for the same. It is to be noted from the above table that 30.2 per cent of the respondents do not  have any App to identify the cyclone.

The table examines the methods used by the fishermen to predict the rain.

Table No.23

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	17	4.0
02	Wireless	112	27
03	Fish finder	3	.7
04	Trolling	2	.5
05	Weather forecast	176	42
06	No App	19	4.5
07	News from other fishermen	14	3.3
08	Experience	77	18.3
Total		420	100.0

 

The table shows that 42 per cent of the respondents depends on weather forecast by the Fisheries department for rain prediction. Wireless device is also used by 27 per cent respondents. About 18.3 per cent of the respondents predict rain on the basis of their experience. The methods adopted by other respondents include GPS(4%),Fish finder (0.7%),Trolling (0.5%),news from other fishermen (3.3%).It is important to note that 4.5 per cent respondents do not have any app to predict the rain.

The occurance of tide and its identification is explained below.

Table No.24

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Wireless	34	8.1
02	GPS	174	41.4
03	Fish finder	2	.5
04	Trolling	2	.5
05	Weather forecast	93	22.1
06	No App	13	3.1
07	Experience	102	24.3
Total		420	100.0

 

Majority of the respondents in the present study, i.e, 41.4 percent use GPS to know about the tides. About 24.3 percent of them use their fishing experience while 22.1 per cent are dependent on weather forecast by the fisheries department. The remaining respondents use wireless instruments(8.1%),Fish finder(0.5%) and Trolling(0.5%) for the same. About 3.1 per cent of the respondents opined that they do not have any App to know about tides while fishing.

The arrival of wind and its identification by fishermen is examined here.

Table No.25

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	30	7.1
02	Wireless	142	33.8
03	Fish finder	3	.7
04	Trolling	2	.5
05	Weather Forecast	150	36
06	No App	20	4.8
07	Experience	72	17.1
Total		420	100.0

Among the total respondents, 33.8 percent are using wireless instrument to know about the wind while 36 per cent are dependent on weather forecast by the fisheries department. Though 17.1 per cent of them make use of their occupational experiences, few of them make use of other methods like GPS(7.1%),Fish finder(0.7%),Trolling (0.5%).About 4.8 per cent of the respondents do not have any app to know about the wind.

Sea depth and its identification by the fishermen is explained below.

Table No.26

Sl.No.	Methods to know the sea depth	Frequency	Percent
01	GPS	49	12
02	Fish finder	234	56
03	Experience	15	3.5
04	Echo sounder	15	3.5
05	Rope	107	25
Total		420	100

With regard to sea depth,  majority of the respondents in the present study, i.e, 56  percent use fish finder device.GPS is used by 12 per cent of the respondents. About 3.5 per cent of the respondents use echo sounder to findout the sea depth and about 3.5 per cent of them make use of their own occupational experiences. The traditional method of using a rope and a stone is done by 25 per cent of the fishermen in the present study.

The present table explains the methods adopted by fishermen to identify the rock in the sea.

Table No.27

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	58	13.8
02	Fish finder	220	52.3
03	Rope and GPS	25	6.0
04	GPS and Echo sounder	18	4.3
05	Experience	99	23.6
Total		420	100.0

In the above table it is clear that majority of the fishermen, i.e, 52.3 per cent use Fish finder device to identify the rock in the sea. About 23.6 per cent make use of their own experience while 13.8 per cent are dependent on GPS. Echo sounder along with GPS is used by 4.3 per cent of the respondents. The traditional method of rope is used by 6 per cent respondents. Thus it can be understood that Fish finder device is commonly used by Fishemen in coastal areas of Dakshina Kannada.

The technique used by fishermen to identify other boats  and traveller ships while fishing is examined below.

Table No.28

Sl.No.	Methods	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	GPS	10	2.38
02	Wireless	88	20.95
03	Light from other ships	270	64.3
04	Assumption	52	12.38
Total		420	100.0

 

Among the total respondents under study, majority, i.e, 64.3 per cent identify other boats and traveller ships by its light.20.95 per cent of them make use of wireless device. Very few, i.e, 2.38 per cent use GPS and 12.38 per cent assume the arrival of other boats and traveller ships. Thus it is clear that there is no appropriate device used by fishermen in the present study to identify the arrival of other boats and traveller ships.

Connectivity to port by the fishermen while fishing is examined here.

Table No.29

Sl.No	Methods	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Wireless	320	76
02	Message from  other ships	28	7
03	No device	72	17
Total		420	100

In the present study 76 per cent of the respondents use wireless communication device to contact the port while 7 per cent of them send/ receive messages from other ships/boats. But for about 17 per cent of the respondents, there are no any device to contact the port.

Table No: 30

Sl. No	Limitations	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Unable to follow the Instructions	72	17.14
02	No information about banned fishing areas	16	4
03	Problems of borders	21	5
04	Unknown locations are not identified	41	9.8
05	Limited storage on data like waypoints or tracks on GPS	38	9
06	Loss of data when GPS gets damaged	21	5
07	Loss of fuel in search of fish	18	4.3
08	Lack of information about way points	35	8.3
09	Durability is very less	73	17.3
10	Tearing of the net without fishing direction	85	20
	Total	420	100

 

The table analyses the limitations of the devices used by fishermen in the study. It is found that majority, i.e, 20 per cent agree that the net gets teared without fishing direction.17 per cent of them are unable to follow the instruction of the device.17.3 per cent feel that the durability of these devices are very less. Other limitations include, not providing any  information about banned fishing areas(17.14%),problems of borders (4%),non-identification of unknown locations(5%),Limited storage on data like waypoints or tracks on GPS(9.8%),Problems of borders(4%),Loss of data when GPS gets damaged(9%),Loss of fuel in search of fish (5%),Lack of information about way points (4.3%).

Table No: 31

Sl. No	Suggestions	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Alert about geo fence regions	17	4
02	Information about fishing regions	35	22
03	App should work offline in smart phones	25	5.95
04	Unlimited storage and cloud backup	20	4.76
05	Sharing of waypoints by other fishermen	93	19
06	Cost effective and more durable device	80	8.3
07	Fish finders need to be improved	51	12.1
08	Device to findout other boats and ships	48	11.4
09	Wireless device need to be improved	51	12.1
Total		420	100

 

The suggestions given by the respondents to improve the device shows that, majority, i.e, 22 per cent suggested that the device must provide information about fishing regions. About 24.2 per cent of them suggested to improve the fish finder as well as wireless device. Device to findout other boats and traveller ships were also suggested by 11.4 per cent respondents. About 19 per cent of them expected the sharing of waypoints by other fishermen.4.76 per cent wanted the device to have unlimited storage and cloud back up. The remaining 4 per cent wanted the device to alert about geo fence regions.

The support system for fishing is examined here

Table No. 32

Sl.No.	Available Facilities	No. of Respondents	Percent
01	Kerosene	12	3
02	Loan facility	15	4
03	Diesel Subsidy	189	45
04	No services	107	26
05	engine subsidy	19	4
06	damage recovery	4	1
07	Fishing net	52	12
08	Life jacket	18	4
09	Scholarships for children	4	1
Total		420	100

 

In the present study, majority, i.e, 45 per cent are availed with diesel subsidy. About 12 per cent of them are provided with fishing net and loan facility is also provided for about 4 per cent of the respondents. Engine subsidy is provided for 4 per cent of the respondents. About 4 per cent of them are availed with provision of life jacket and 3 per cent are provided with facility of kerosene. Out of the total respondents, four of them opined that damage recovery of boats is also provided. But 26 per cent of the respondents under study do not get any facilities from the Government.

The sources from where different facilities are  provided to fishermen are discussed here.

Table No.33

Sl.No	Source of Services	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Govt	255	61
02	Fishermen association	113	27
03	co-operative society	52	12
Total		420	100

In the above table, it is clear that majority, i.e., 61 per cent get the facilities from the Government while 27 per cent get it from the Fishermen association. Co-operative societies also provide services for about 12 per cent of the respondents.

The following table contains the suggestions given by the Fishermen to the Government.

Table No: 34

Sl. No	Suggestions to Government	No. of Respondents	Percentage
01	Fishing kit need to be provided by the Government	19	4.5
02	Services need to include fishermen belonging to       APL also.	101	24
03	Reduce tax on fishing devices	18	4.2
04	Need to provide more subsidy	34	8
05	Need to provide Insurance to Fishermen	52	12.4
06	Reduce the prices of devices and Apps	13	3
07	Financial and employment assistance during off season	11	3
08	Financial support to family in case of death	46	11
09	Upgradation of devices	73	17
10	Proper communication of information about weather,tides and protected fishing zone	40	9.5
11	Messages about  new fishing zones need to be communicated to all	13	3
Total		420	100

It is found that majority of the respondents,i.e,24 per cent of the respondents opined that almost all the provisions of the Government is meant for fishermen belonging to BPL while APL families are not availed with these facilities. Hence they suggested that the Government must extend these services to APL families also. Other suggestions include, provision of fishing kit(4.5%),reduction of tax on fishing devices(4.2%),more subsidy(8%),Insurance coverage(12.4%),reduce the prices of devices and Apps (3%),Financial and employment assistance during off season(3%) ,Financial support to family in case of death(11%), Upgradation of devices(17%),Proper communication of information about weather, tides and protected fishing zone(9.5%),Messages about  new fishing zones need to be communicated to all (3%).

The following are some of the findings of the study.

• It is found that majority of the respondents are from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district and few respondents are also from other states like Kerala(2%),Andra Pradesh(4%),Tamil Nadu(0.7%) and UP(2%).
• Most of the respondents under study use Persian boats.
• Majority are youngsters in the age group of 35-40 years and most of them have educational qualification below SSLC.
• With regard to fishing experience, about 83% of them have more than 10 years of fishing experience.
• The areas chosen for fishing by majority are fishing areas of Udupi district. About 3% go for fishing in all the coastal areas and about 2.1% go for Arabian sea.
• Most of the respondents belong to Fishermen community (93.3%).
• The distance travelled by the fishermen by majority is 100-500 kms. About 3.09% travel more than 500 kms. The travelled distance is measured using instruments like GPS, Wireless and Fish finder (74.5%).
• Almost all types of fishes are available for most of the fishermen (55.71%) and the type of fish is identified on the basis of occupational experience by majority respondents (80.5%).
• Except 3 respondents, everyone make use of motorised boats for fishing.
• GPS is used by majority of the respondents in the study. Other methods are Fish finders, wireless device, echo sounder including fishing net. Majority of them use FURUNO which is a  Japan based device(44%).The instruments are used to identify the fishing zone, types of fishes, to predict the rain, winds, cyclone, rock in the sea, for route track and even for navigation direction .The cost of these instruments range from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs. 2,00,000.
• Fishing Apps are not much familiar to the fishermen in the coastal areas.
• GPS is the instrument which is mostly used by the fishermen to identify the potential fishing zone(55%),identify the location(58%),navigation direction(58%),to know about the tides(41%).Along with GPS, they even use Fish finder to know the sea depth(56%),rock under the sea(52%).Wireless communication devices are used to connect to the port(76%).Dependence on weather forecast by Fisheries department is also found among the respondents to know about cyclone(39%),to predict rain(42%),to identify the wind(36%).The identification of other boats and traveller ships are identified by majority respondents (64%) by the light from other boats as most of them do not have any specific device to identify it.
• With regard to limitations of these devices, most of them are not able to follow the instructions. The devices were found to be very expensive as there is much financial assistance available. Devices are not very durable and hence they do not completely rely on these devices. Fishing Apps are not much familiar to them.
• The suggestions by the Fishermen include, up gradation of fishing devices which can include all the required features especially more on complete information about the fishing regions. Cost of the instruments need to be reduced.
• Services available for fishermen include diesel subsidy for majority of the respondents. No much facility is available for fishermen from APL families. Hence they suggest the Government to extend the services to APL families and also to provide more subsidies.

Having seen the above challenges, we have come up with suggestive measures  that can help the fishermen.

• Up gradation of fishing devices so that a single device can be used which can have all the features necessary for fishing.
• Proper communication about the usage of instruments.
• Though the Government is insisting for the use of Fishing App, due to lack of knowledge and the technical skills, the fishermen are reluctant to use it. Hence proper guidance and awareness need to be created among them with regard to its usage and implications.
• Most of the Fishermen use the devices of other countries. Hence the Government should introduce regional devices depending on the suitability of requirement of Indian Fishermen.
• Financial assistance need to be extended to fishermen.
• Dependence on traditional method of fishing by the fishermen can be reduced by reducing the cost of the device  as well as tax on these instruments so that they can go for more usage of Apps and other improved devices.
• Educational assistance to children of fishermen can be of great support.
• As fishing always involve risk and life threat, provision of Insurance can be provided for their life security.
• Financial security in the form of employment to the Fishermen especially during off season.

ISRO has undertaken several measures to educate the fishermen about the working and usage of the NAVIC kit and App. The first demonstration was held at Gangolli Persian Boat Unions Board room on 24^th September 2018 at 11 A.M. In this demonstration fishermen and boat owners of Gangolli – Maravanthe regions are requested to participate large in number.

 

Dr. Divakar P.G. Director,EPDO, will address the fishermen regarding the NAVIC kit and App. Sri. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alva’s Education Trust, Dr. Peter Fernandes, Principal, AIET and AIET faculties were the part of this program.

ISRO has undertaken several measures to educate the fishermen about the working and usage of the NAVIC kit and App. The first demonstration was held at Malpe Persian Boat Unions Board room on 24th September 2018 at 4 P.M. In this demonstration fishermen and boat owners of Malpe regions are requested to participate large in number.

Dr. Divakar P.G. Director,EPDO, will address the fishermen regarding the NAVIC kit and App. Sri. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alva’s Education Trust, Dr. Peter Fernandes, Principal, AIET and AIET faculties will be the part of this program.

The navigation with constellation survey meeting was held on 1st October 2018 at Persian harbour, Malpe and Gangolli with the presence of Mr. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, Dr. P.G Diwakar, Director,EPDO, Dr. Peter Fernandes, Principal, AIET, Mr. Naveen, Mr. Krishna Suvarna, Mr. Santhosh , the Secretaries , Persian Boat , Malpe, and  more than 100 fishermen were present for the meeting along with the Professors and Students of  Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology Mijar.

In the meeting various problems were discussed with the local fishermen from Malpe and data was collected from them and the president of NAVIC project Dr. P.G. Diwakar, Director,EPDO gave a brief explanation about the project and what are the benefits the fishermen are going to get from this project.

 

Dr. P.G. Diwakar,  Director,EPDO, Sri Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, AEF, Moodbidri, Dr. Peter Fernandes, Principal, AIET  in Gangolli

The main motive of this project is to come with new navigational instrument for boats at lesser cost by ISRO. The current equipment which is used by the most of the fishermen was Furano GPS for navigation and Icom for wireless communication to the port. Those equipment’s which were used they were mainly Japanese and Taiwan made those were very expensive to buy for the local fishermen. The present cost of the entire kit is Rs. 1,05,000 and ISRO is promised to give at the lesser cost. The main demand from the fishermen was they should be able to find out the varieties of fishes and there should be an alarm to be fixed to the boat for the alert for the other fishermen. 

  After the meeting the students of AIET went for the field survey and collected data from fishermen’s and Boat Owners.

 

Survey by the Students of AIET in Persian Boat at Malpe

 

Discussion with fishermen by Dr. P.G. Diwakar,  Director,EPDO  and Sri Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, AEF, Moodbidri   in Malpe

The navigation with constellation survey meeting was held on 4th October 2018 at Panjurli Temple, Malpe with the presence of Prof. Kurian,Principal, Alva’s Degree College, Moodbidri, Sri. Shivkumar Asst Director, Fisheries Department, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Yashodhara Ameen, President, Persian Boat Union, Malpe Mr. Naveen, Mr. Krishna Suvarna, Mr. Santhosh , the Secretaries , Persian Boat Union , Malpe, and  more than 400 fishermen were present for the meeting along with the Professors  of  Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology Mijar.

 

Discussion with fishermen by Prof. Kurian, Principal, Alva’s Degree College, Moodbidri

 

In the meeting various problems were discussed with the local fishermen from Malpe and data was collected from them and Prof. Kurian  gave a brief explanation about the project and what are the benefits the fishermen are going to get from this project . Sri. Shivkumar Asst Director, Fisheries Department, Government of Karnataka, suggested to add Transponder (Automatic Identification system) features to the Navic Kit as it is mandatory from the Government.

After the meeting the Professors of AIET went for the field survey and collected data from fishermen’s and Boat Owners.

The NAVIC – Demonstration and kit distribution was held on 4^th October 2018 at Persian harbour, Malpe with the presence of Mr. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, Mr.Akhileshwar, Senior Scientist, ISRO, Bangalore, Mr. M Saxena, Senior Scientists, ISRO, Bangalore, Mr. Bhargav, Senior Engineer, Antrix Software Bangalore, Mr. Naveen, Mr. Krishna Suvarna, Mr. Santhosh , the Secretaries , Persian Boat , Malpe, and  more than 150 fishermen from both malpe and gangolli harbour were present for the demonstration along with the Professors of  Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology Mijar.

 

 

Navik Kit Demonstration and Distribution with fishermen by Sri Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, AEF, Moodbidri and scientists, ISRO, Bangalore in Malpe

 

Mr.Akhileshwar, Senior Scientist, ISRO, Bangalore, Mr. M Saxena, Senior Scientists, ISRO, Bangalore and Mr. Bhargav, Senior Engineer, Antrix Software Bangalore, have demonstrated and explained the usage of the Navic Kit. The Navic kit was distributed to selected 12 fishermen from both Malpe and Gangolli region.

 

 

Mr. Vivek Alva addressed the gathering and requested to make use of the kit and to give correct feedback on the same. And also suggested the secretary of Union, Mr. Krishna Suvarna, to handover the kit to other 12 fishermen after 15 days of usage.

Feedback

Alva’s Education Foundation® in collaboration with ISRO has conducted a study on Occupational challenges of fishermen community in coastal regions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district. In the process of survey, a NAVIK Kit was distributed among 12 Fishermen in Malpe ( a fishing region of Udupi district)  in order to find out the effectiveness of the device. The evaluation of the kit including the feedback of the fishermen is presented below.

Type of Boat:

Table No.1

Sl. No.	Type of boats	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	Persian	8	66.7
2	Deep sea	4	33.3
	Total	12	100.0

 

Navik kit was distributed among 12 respondents.Among them, 67 per cent use Persian boats for fishing while 33 per cent make use of Deep sea boats.

Number of workers working in boats:

Table No.2

Sl. No.	Number of workers	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	0-30	4	33.3
2	30-40	8	66.7
	Total	12	100.0

 

Out of the total respondents, majority, i.e., 67 per cent of the respondents have 30-40 workers working in their boats while 33 per cent have around 0-30 workers.

Distance travelled by the respondents:

Table No.3

Sl. No.	Distance travelled	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	0-50	1	8.3
2	50-100	4	33.3
3	100-150	3	25.0
4	150-200	4	33.3
	Total	12	100.0

 

Out of  total 12 respondents, 33 per cent travel around 150-200 kms and  another 33 per cent of the respondents travel for about 50-100 kms for every catch. About 25 per cent of them travel 100-500 kms and only 8 per cent travel within 50 kms.

Usage of Navik Kit

Table No.4

 

Sl. No.	Usage	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	5-10 Times	6	50.0
2	10-15 Times	4	33.3
3	15-20 Times	2	16.7
	Total	12	100.0

 

After the kit was distributed, majority of the respondents (50%) have used the kit for 5-10 times while 33 per cent of the respondents have used it for about 10-15 times. The kit was used for 15-20 times by only 17 per cent of the respondents.

Instruments used at present by the Fishermen:

Table No.5

Sl. No.	Instruments	No. of respondents	Percent
1	Fish Finder, GPS, WIRELESS, AIS	1	8
2	Fish finder, GPS, Wireless	11	92
	Total	12	100

 

Among the total respondents, majority, i.e, 92 per cent make use of Fish finder, GPS and Wireless device  for fishing while only 1 respondent is using Fish finder, GPS, Wireless and AIS.

Cost of Fish finder:

Table No.6

Sl. No.	Cost	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	40,000-50,000	11	91.7
2	50,000 -60,000	1	8.3
	Total	12	100.0

 

Among the total respondents, 92 per cent have paid Rs.40, 000 to Rs.50, 000 for the instrument while 8 per cent have paid Rs.50,000 to 60,000.

 

Cost of GPS:

Table No.7

Sl. No.	Cost	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	30,000-40,000	12	100.0
2	Total	12	100.0

It is clear from the above table that, almost all the respondents using GPS have paid  a total amount of Rs.30,000 to 40,000 for the instrument.

 

Cost of Wireless:

Table No.8

 

Sl. No.	Cost	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	10,000- 20,000	3	25.0
2	20,000- 30,000	9	75.0
Sl. No.	Total	12	100.0

 

Out of total 12 respondents, majority, i.e, 75 per cent have paid Rs.20,000 to 30,000 while   25 per cent respondents  have paid Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 for the  wireless device.

 

Cost of AIS:

Table No.9

Sl.No	Cost	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	50,000 -60,000	1	8.3
02	Not using AIS	11	91.7
	Total	12	100.0

 

Among the total respondents, majority (92%) are not using AIS, while the remaining respondents who use the device spent about Rs. 50,000 to 60,000.

Methods adopted for identifying problematic areas:

Table No.10

Sl. No	Problematic areas	Methods adopted	No. of respondents	Percentage
01	Potential Fishing zone	Experience	12	100
02	Position of Fishermen	GPS	12	100
03	Navigation Direction	GPS	12	100
04	Cyclone	Wireless	12	100
05	Rain prediction	Wireless	12	100
06	Tides	Wireless	12	100
07	Storm	Wireless	12	100
08	Sea depth	GPS	12	100
09	Rock in sea	GPS	12	100
10	Identifying other boats and ships	Experience	12	100
11	Connectivity to port	Experience	12	100
12	Automatic Identification of boats	Transponder	12	100

 

Usage of NAVIK Kit:

Table No.11

Sl. No.	Usage	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	Potential Fishing Zone, position, navigation	12	100.0
	Total	12	100.0

 

Navik Kit has helped all the 12 respondents in identifying  potential  fishing  zone, fishermen’s position and also in navigation direction.

 

Limitations of the Kit:

The following table examines the limitations of the kit as observed  by the Fishermen in the present study.

Table No.12

Sl. No.	Limitations	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	Potential Fishing  zone  not  updated  for  every 6 days	2	16.7
2	No display of  Latitude  and  Longitude  of  the location	1	8.3
3	Device  showing  the  same  location  after  30 days	2	16.7
4	No accurate  information  about  the  availability  of  TUNA fish	2	16.7
5	No prior  information  about  Cyclone,  rain prediction, tides,  storm,  depth of  sea and  rock in sea	1	8.3
6	Not tracking other boats and  traveller  ships	1	8.3
7	Not connecting  to port	1	8.3
8	No automatic Identification  system in the device	1	8.3
9	No Alert signal during the time of emergency	1	8.3
	Total	12	100.0

 

Suggestions by the respondents:

After the usage of kit by the respondents, they have suggested for the improvement of  the kit in following ways.

Table No.13

Sl. No.	Suggestions	No. of respondents	Percentage
1	Updating Potential Fishing zone	2	16.7
2	Detection of Potential fishing zone in Karnataka and Kerala	2	16.7
3	Displaying  the Latitude and  Longitude  values  along  with the distance	1	8.3
4	Detection of  location of  TUNA fish  and other  fishes	1	8.3
5	Updating the information for every 6 days	1	8.3
6	Accurate Information about cyclone, rain, tides, storms, sea depth, rock in sea	1	8.3
7	Tracking other boats and travellers ships	1	8.3
8	Connectivity to nearest port	1	8.3
9	Adding AIS features to NAVIK	1	8.3
10	Adding alert signal	1	8.3
	Total	12	100.0

 

The following are some of the findings of the study.

• The distance travelled by the fishermen by majority is 100-500 kms. About 3.09% travel more than 500 kms. The travelled distance is measured using instruments like GPS, Wireless and Fish finder (74.5%).
• Fishing Apps are not much familiar to the fishermen in the coastal areas.
• The potential Fishing zone has been directed to Tamilnadu and Andrapradesh, which has nearly 80 to 90 Nautical Miles
• Navigation direction in the device is showing only the direction, but it is not displaying the Latitude & Longitude of the given location. It is hard to find the  distance between the origin and the potential fishing zone.
• As per the Navic information, which shows the location of TUNA fish in specific location, but during the travel, they are finding the fish much before the given location in several location which is not displayed or detected in Navic
• They are also expected prior information regarding Cyclone, Rain predictions, Tides, Storm, depth of sea and also presence of Rock in sea. It should also track other boats & Travellers ship nearby and connectivity to the nearest port
• As per the Government rule, it is mandatory to install Transponder ( Automatic Identification System )
• Alert signal during the time of emergency for the better safety of the fisherman
• The potential Fishing zone information is not getting updated for every 6 days.Even after 30days, the device is showing the same location
• With regard to limitations of these devices, most of them are not able to follow the instructions. The devices were found to be very expensive as there is much financial assistance available. Devices are not very durable and hence they do not completely rely on these devices. Fishing Apps are not much familiar to them.

Having seen the above challenges, we have come up with suggestive measures  that can help the fishermen.

• Up gradation of fishing devices so that a single device can be used which can have all the features necessary for fishing.
• Proper communication about the usage of instruments.
• Fisherman needs the potential fishing zone to be detected in Karnataka and Kerala rather than Tamilnadu and Andrapradesh
• They wanted the software or device to display the Latitude and Longitude along with the distance as showing in GPS
• Fisherman also wanted the detection & location of King Fish, Lady Fish, Macarel, Prawns, Silver Fish and Pompret, Sardine
• They wanted the software or device which gives accurate information on Cyclone, Rain predictions, Tides, Storm, depth of sea, presence of Rock in sea. It should also track other boats & Travellers ship nearby and connectivity to the nearest port
• They have requested to add Automatic Identification System feature to the Navic device
• They have requested to add Alert signal feature to the Navic device
• They have requested to update the information for every 6 days in Navic Device
• Though the Government is insisting for the use of Fishing App, due to lack of knowledge and the technical skills, the fishermen are reluctant to use it. Hence proper guidance and awareness need to be created among them with regard to its usage and implications.
• Financial assistance need to be extended to fishermen.
• Dependence on traditional method of fishing by the fishermen can be reduced by reducing the cost of the device  as well as tax on these instruments so that they can go for more usage of Apps and other improved devices.
• Educational assistance to children of fishermen can be of great support.
• As fishing always involve risk and life threat, provision of Insurance can be provided for their life security.
• Financial security in the form of employment to the Fishermen especially during off season.