Small-scale traditional spiny lobster fishery at Tikkoti, Calicut

Abstract

The spiny lobster fishery at Tikkoti though lesser in magnitude is important from the fishery point of view. The traditional fishermen living in three adjacent villages of Kodikal, Kadaloor and Tikkoti are engaged in lobster fishing for the past five decades. The total landings have declined over the years but sudden fall in catches as is seen in 1996-'97 may probably due to natural fluctuations in environmental conditions and change in current pattern rather than due to over fishing. In 1960's fishing was restricted to only three months from August to October and now the fishing begins in September or October and continues up to April or May. Unlike the southwest and southeast coasts where lobster fishing activity has increased several fold due to pressure from the export market, there is no substantial increase in effort at Tikkoti. Establishment of artificial reefs may help in enhancement of lobster population and therefore increase in catches and more revenue for the fishermen.