Use of indigenous knowledge by coastal fisher folk of Mumbai district in Maharashtra

Abstract

The benefit of indigenous knowledge can be harnessed and improved upon by appropriating it, establishing legitimacy of such knowledge and integrating it with development programmes. Against this background, the study was attempted to explore the indigenous knowledge of fisher folk of Mumbai district. The data were gathered through interview of fishers using a semi-structured interview schedule and personal non-participant observation. Indigenous knowledge was documented for the various aspects of fishery management. The fishers use indigenous materials and methods for construction, fabrication and maintenance of fishing crafts and gears. They were found to use indigenous knowledge to locate fishing grounds, to predict cyclones/storms, to preserve and process the fish caught.