Use of fishing sinkers along Kerala and Tamil Nadu Coasts

Abstract

Fishing sinkers from one of the most important components of fishing gear. Different materials such as baked clay, cement, stone, brick, iron, lead etc. are used as sinkers and they very in size and shape. of these, lead is considered to be the best material for making fishing sinkers and jigs . Even though lead has got all the properties suited for a sinker, it is globally recognized as a toxic substance for both humans and animals. it affects the nervous and reproductive system of mammels and birds. Many countries have banned the use of lead sinkers in certain regions or have imposed some regulations for their use. Due to fishing activities, lead sinkers running into several tons get deposited every year in the coastal waters . Currently there are many non-toxic alternatives made out of ceramic, recycled glass, cement , clay, natural granite, bismuth, tin , stainless steel and tungsten available for use as sinkers. However , in India studies on the types of sinkers available and their properties are generally lacking. This communication presents the results of a preliminary study of the fishing sinkers use in various fishing gears is given . It was noted that the traditional fishermen are switching over to lead sinkers in an ever-increasing phase along the coast owing to its ready availability and ease of use. Apart from this, the boom in tourism in Keral , where more recreational fishing activities are expected to take place, use of lead for jigs can add more lead into the environment.