Agarala: A traditional fishing boat of Karnataka

Abstract

Agarala boat or coracle is a traditional fishing boat used for estuarine and riverine fishing in Karnataka. These traditional boats ensure sustainable fishing using eco-friendly fishing methods. The main fish species caught in these crafts are Sillago sihama, Sphyraena obtusata, Mugil cephalus, Aries aries, Gerres filamentosus, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Leiognathus splendens, Cynoglossus macrostomus, Psettodes erumei, Platycephalus indicus, Etroplus suratensis, Anodontostoma chacunda, Portunus pelagicus, P.sanguinolentus, Scylla serrata, Thryssa mystax, and Opisthopterus tardoore. Fishing with agarala in the estuarine waters is largely at subsistence level and is carried out by a minor section of the fishermen community. The following paper documents and reports for the first time, the use of such unique fishing boats, in the Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The main objective of the study was to explore the nature of crafts, the unique design of the crafts used and types of fishes caught. Fishing in agarala provides a good source of income to the fishermen using these simple, traditional environment friendly and cost effective crafts which make sustainable use of the scarce fishery resources.