Issues & Challenges for sustainable small scale fisheries in Inland Fisheries sector of India

Transcription

1 From the SelectedWorks of Ganesh Chandra March 6, 2015 Issues & Challenges for sustainable small scale fisheries in Inland Fisheries sector of India A P Sharma Ganesh Chandra Available at:

2 Issues & Challenges for sustainable small scale fisheries in Inland Fisheries sector of India A. P. Sharma & Ganesh Chandra ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata , India

3 Small Scale Fisheries (Inland Fisheries) SSF contributes half of the global fish catch. SSF employ over 90% of the world s fishers and fish-workers engaged in catching, processing, trading, and marketing fish. In India also, Inland fisheries sector is dominated by the small scale fishers mostly belonging to fishermen community. Livelihood of a large population is dependent upon small scale fisheries. The fisher community is one of the poorest and unorganized communities in the society. Highly diverse fishing operations both seasonally & geographically

4 Some Features of Inland Fisheries Inland fisheries in India comprise water resources like rivers, reservoirs, floodplain wetlands, lakes, derelict water bodies and tanks. Rivers (29000 km); estuaries (3,00,000 ha); floodplain wetlands (5,25,000 ha); reservoirs (3.15 million ha). Multiple ownership of the existing water bodies. The access rights of inland fishers to the resources depend on the state fisheries law. Some states have given exclusive right to the individual or cooperatives of fishermen community while other states still give the right to the highest bidders. Most of the inland fishers sell their catch at the water body itself or at village market. Only catch in large quantity taken to the auction center. India is second largest fish producer of Inland fisheries after China.

5 Some Features: From time immemorial the fishers have been fishing in open water resources Most of the fishers live in rural and remote areas, preferably in surroundings of water body. The multiple use / ownership/ stakeholder nature of the water body adversely affect their fishing efficiency and employment. The fishers are unorganized, even the fishers cooperative in India are extremely weak. The socio-economic conditions of SSF are very poor with low standard of living Poor literacy rate is a general feature of fishers community. The reasons attributed for this were poverty and lack of opportunities for the child to go to school.

6 Inland open water fisheries Resources Size (million ha.) Rivers (km) 0.03 Mangroves (ha) 0.36 Estuaries (ha) 0.30 Estuarine wetlands (ha) 0.04 Bakcwaters / lagoons 0.19 Large & medium reservoirs (ha) 1.91 Small reservoirs (ha) 1.51 Floodplain wetlands (ha) Upland lakes (ha) 0.72 Sharma, A P et. al CIFRI: Journey in service of nation with special reference to reservoir fisheries development

7 Sharma, A P et al State of inland fisheries and Inland fisher community in India. India-Paper 2, National Strategeic workshop on Small-Scale Fisheries, BOBP-IGO, Chennai 23/1/2013 Socio economic condition of Inland fishers Literacy rate Resources Literacy % Reservoirs Wetlands River Total Resources Income Status of fishers (Rs/Yr) Enterprise Fishery Labour Agriculture Business Any other Total Reservoir wetland River Overall % of Total

8 Governance and Institutional arrangement in inland open water fisheries in India Fisheries governance is the sum of the legal, social, economic and political arrangements used to manage fisheries. Fisheries in India is under state list and governed by the various state fisheries acts. Inland fisheries in India governed by two models i.e. welfare based model and revenue based model. Revenue based model: tanks, ponds allover India, wetlands & reservoirs mainly of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and some other states. Welfare based model: River fisheries allover India, wetlands & reservoirs in Bengal and Kerala, large reservoirs of Madhya Pradesh, Medium and Large reservoirs of Chhattisgarh.

9 Laws governing fisheries in India 1. International Agreements: (Stockholm conference 1972, Earth summit 1992, World summit on sustainable development, Johensberg,2002, Ramsar Conventions) 2. Constitutions of India : Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties, Art Environmental Law of India: Water (preventions and control of pollutions) Act 1974, Air (preventions and control of pollutions) Act 1981, Environment (protection) Act 1986, Wild life Protection Act (1972). 4. Indian Fisheries Act Various State Fisheries Act 6. River Act 7. Co-operative societies Act

10 CASE STUDIES OF GOVERNANCE ARRAGEMENT IN DIFFERENT INLAND FISHERIES SECTORS

11 Wetland Fisheries in Assam Constitutes 32% of water resource of the state of Assam Cost of production is only 20% of culture production High natural process dependent Essential component of ecosystem integrity Repository of fish biodiversity Multiple use and multiple users situation Having both formal and informal institutional arrangement Scope for encouraging entrepreneurship in fisheries and increase in self employment Scope of increasing the productivity of floodplain wetlands and other water bodies as average productivity is too low 10

12 Controlling agencies Formation of the ownership, control and transfer of fishing rights Purpose System of transfer or license Term Criteria for selection Revenue dept (DC) Collection of revenue: Utilizations by fishing populations Open tender system price fixed on the basis of produce in one year till January 31 st 7 years Highest bidder or to Fisherman Cooperative if within 7.5% range of highest bid Dept. of Fisheries (Director of fisheries) Collection of revenue; Utilization by fishing populations tender to highest bidder to fishermen community or fishermen Cooperative 7 Years -do- Assam Fisheries Development Cooperation (PD) Development of fisheries; Better utilization by fishing populations leasing by tenders to fishermen community or fishermen Cooperative 7 years -do- Dept Environment Forest (DFO) of & Conservation of the resource, Protection of wild life wetlands are not given on lease and fishing is only restricted for locals for sustenance No license Panchayat dept (Gram Pradhan) Betterment of the fishing populations; Revenue collection Direct transfer or limited tenders to the villagers or individuals 7 years Local fisher cooperative or beel development committee Chandra, Ganesh Management Regimes and Institutional Arrangement in Floodplain Wetlands Fisheries of Assam: An Evaluation. 11 Indian Journal of Extension Education, 47(1-2):27-33

13 Extent of Gender Participation In Assam Wetlands Fishing and sale of fish at auction centre: Men Fishing at dewatering: women Fishing using Traps: women Selling of fish in local market: women Decision making in Cooperative society: men Decision making in Community Managed Wetlands: men & women (30% women) Cash handling: men Literacy rate of fishers community: 75%

14 Chilika Lagoon The largest coastal lagoon in Asia (1165 sq km) First designated Ramsar site (1981) in India Fin fish species 319, 26 prawn species and 35 crab species. 13 high value fin fish species, 5 economic prawn and 3 economic crab species 0.2 million fishers in 131 villages in and around the lake depend on fisheries Marginal decline in fin fish landing Important fin fish species: Mugil cephalus, Chelon macrolepis, Eleutheronema tetradactylum, Daysciaena albida, Etroplus suratensis, Lates calcarifer, Plotosus canius, Mystus gulio, Nematalosa nasus, Osteogeniosus militaris, Rhabdosargus sarba, Gerres sp.

15 Women Drudgery Analysis Jagannathpur Chandraput Gajapatinagar Arakhakuda

16 Matrix of Fishery Activities Chandra, Ganesh and A. P. Sharma Role of Women In Fisheries of Chilika Lagoon, India: A Participatory Study. Centenary (100) Session of the Indian Science Congress, Part II, Section Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences. P Proceeding of the

17 Existing Act, Rule, and Regulation Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA) 1982, amended in 1988, 1996, and 2004 Fishing by any method is prohibited in Palur canal through out the year. Capture of Khainga, Kabala Bhekti below 150 mm size and prawns like Bagada and Chapra (Kalipoi) varieties below 100 mm size by any means is prohibited throughout the year in Chilika Lake. Fishing by any method is completely prohibited in the Outer channel of Chilika lake during the month of July, August, September, October, November, December and January. Prawns, which are not growing above two inches (Metapenaeus monoceras, M. dobsoni and M. affinis) cannot be caught in the Outer channel of the Chilika Lake during the month of February and March. No fishing by means of net shall be allowed in the Outer channel throughout the years. Fishing, however, by other means like Khanda, Thata and Baja can be undertaken in the Outer channel. But no Khanda shall enter into the deeper zone of the Outer channel.

18 Wetlands fisheries of Bihar

19 The ownership of the water bodies in Bihar is with Department of fisheries. The Maun/Chaurs are leased to the highest bidder from traditional fishermen community, fishermen cooperative societies and self help group for a period of seven years on lease. Traditional fishermen or fishermen cooperative society have access to fishing in rivers. Ponds and tanks are leased to traditional fishermen or fishermen cooperative society, trained fishers for 3-5 years.

20 Gender Participation in inland Fishing : Men Fisheries in Bihar Decision making in fisheries: Men Fish marketing: women Cash handling: men Literacy Rate: female literacy rate is the lowest in India. 39%

21 Gender participation in Riverine Fisheries of West Bengal Participation of fisher women in fishery activities in comparison to fishermen is absolutely Nil. With declining fish catch, Livelihood other than fisheries has been taken up. Fisherwomen also involved in other income generating activities like stitching cloths, wage earning, livestock, nursing and cooking in functions. Catching of fish from the river and selling them is the responsibility of fishermen in this area. Livelihood diversification is seen with declining fish catch and increase in numbers of fishers in last decade. Cash Handling : both men and women Chandra, Ganesh & A. P. Sharma, Gender Role in Inland Fisheries of India: A Cross Country Study. DOI: /

22 Fisherwomen Livelihood diversification Livelihood diversification for additional Income Fish grading Tailoring Maid servant Labour wage earning livestock rearing wool knitting Nursing Cooking at functions 5% 29% 27% 7% 1% 15% 10% 6%

23 Fisheries management rights in Madhya Pradesh Area Management rights 0-10 ha Gram Panchayat ha Janpad Panchayat ha Zila Panchayat ha State Fisheries department Above 2000 ha M.P. Fisheries Federation

24 In Madhya Pradesh, water bodies below 1000 ha are leased by the three tier Panchayati Raj system to the highest bidder among fishers or fishermen cooperative society. Water bodies from ha are leased by fisheries department to the highest bidders among fishers and fishermen cooperative societies Fishing in reservoirs above 2000 ha are sole right of fishermen belonging to fishermen cooperative societies who are displaced by the construction of the dam.

25 Gender in Reservoirs of Madhya Pradesh Fishing in the reservoir is sole right of members of cooperative societies. Fisher cooperative society shall be formed with 100% membership of fishermen community The fishermen in the periphery of 1 km of the impounded area were the members of 66 cooperative society operating in reservoir 33% of membership of Cooperative society to women fishers Fishing is done by both male and female members

26 Gender Participation in Reservoir Fisheries Fishing: both men and women Fish selling to lessee: both men and women Cash : men & women Decision making: both men and women

27 Hilsa fisheries in Narmada Estuary, Gujarat

28 Hilsa Fisheries In Narmada Estuary Hilsa fishing (Palwa fisheries): providing 70% of fishers livelihood Main fishing season: monsoon months during new moon and full moon period The preparation starts in the month of March and April with net making and repairing of crafts. Fiber crafts were mainly used for this purpose and a group of five fishers were involved on boat Fishing by men but marketing by women, a fisher family income activity Fishing activity by fisher family only Decision making: both men & women Cash : only by women Chandra, Ganesh, A. P. Sharma & P. K. Katiha Hilsa fisheries in Narmada estuaries: a spatio-temporal analysis. 10th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, Lucknow, India

29 Constraints & Challenges Unequal power relation to other sectors in terms of socioeconomy-political space Overfishing Scattered distribution, diverse management regime, & weak governance Lack of credit support Weak or defunct Cooperative societies Competition for lease of water bodies between fishermen and contractors (in Uttar Pradesh) Lack of alternative livelihood Declining share of fishers in consumer rupee Access to higher education and basic healthcare Pollution, environmental degradation, climate change impacts and natural and human-induced disasters

30 Challenges Concern and Choices for inland fisheries Situation and trends Challenges Concerns Choices Overexploitation of fisheries resourcescatch per unit effort decreasing Increasing in the number of people employed in fishing Other use of wetlands (other than fisheries Involvement of a large number of middle man Decreasing Area of water resources Exploited ecosystemno consensus of restoring it Exploiting market while protecting interest of fishers and consumers Balancing profit and cost to society Sustainable fisheries Siltation and conversion of marginal area for other uses Managing the ecosystem health Increasing share of fishers in consumer rupee Social justice through providing more option to fishers Livelihood security of the fisher community Short term versus long term use of fisheries Small scale versus large scale operation Fisheries versus ecotourism Community based versus individual based fisheries Protecting fishers interest. 3/9/

31 Safeguarding the livelihood of SSFs aim should be Securing sustainable resource use and access rights. Securing good production from the resources. Securing social, economic and human rights.

32 Suggestions for Improvement Change in the credit system is required. strengthening PFCS, disbursal from banks through Kisan credit card. Maintaining sustainability of the fisheries resources: rational exploitations and avoid over exploitation Generating wealth and alternative livelihoods: greater control over the systems and prescribe for strong regulatory regimes. Recognize the role of SSFs communities and indigenous peoples to restore, conserve, protect and co-manage local aquatic and coastal ecosystems. Consultation and participation: ensuring active, free, effective, meaningful and informed participation of small-scale fishing communities in the whole decision-making process related to fishery resources affecting their livelihood options. Conflicts resolution mechanisms: As the fisheries suffering from multi dimensional conflicts, there is a need to develop an effective and credible conflict resolution mechanism.

33 Suggestions for improvement Ensure effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to deter, prevent and eliminate all forms of illegal and/or destructive fishing practices having a negative effect on inland ecosystems. Investments in appropriate infrastructures, organizational structures to support the small-scale fisheries post-harvest sub-sector for both export and domestic markets. promote investment in human resource development such as health, education, literacy, and other skills development. States should facilitate access to local, national, regional markets for small-scale fisheries products. Secure Tenurial Rights Water regulations for the benefit of the fisheries Remunerative wage/price to the fishers Secure equal participation of women in decision-making processes for policies directed towards small-scale fisheries Need for integrated and holistic approaches, including cross-sectoral collaboration, in order to address risk associated with climate change in small-scale fisheries.

34 To All Fishers for support Thanks Every one