Status and programme of marine fisheries development in the Union Territory of Pondicherry

Abstract

Development of marine fisheries in the Union Territory dates back to 1955-56, after the merger of the former French territories of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. The union Territory has a coastline of 45 Km and a fishermen population of about 34,000. The annual fish production of the Territory has risen from a merge 900 t in the beginning to more than 20,000 t in recent years. This paper deals with mainly the various developmental activities such as the Introduction of mechanised boats, beach landing craft, outboard motors, provision of cold storages, transport facilities fish curing yards, construction of fisheries harbour, fish landing platforms, subsidies provided to the fishing activities and training imparted lo the fishermen undertaken since the Second Five Year Ran period. It also presents the various social welfare schemes for Improvement of the fishing community and its socio-economic conditions.