Impacts of the Tsunami on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Coastal Livelihoods in India 1

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1 Impacts of the Tsunami on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Coastal Livelihoods in India 1 (As of 16 th March 2005) Affected areas The tsunami caused extensive damage in Southern regions of India and Andaman & Nicobar Islands affecting a total of 2,260 km of coastline. The waves were reported to be as high as 3-10 meters in southern India and penetrated from 300 m to 3 km inland. The worst-affected regions were the State of Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The States of Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala were affected to a lesser extent. Tsunami affected more than one-fourth of the total coastal line of the country. Recent estimate 2 put the death toll at 10,749 people of which most were from Tamil Nadu. Over 6,300 persons are still missing and feared to be dead. The missing persons are mainly from A&N Islands (5,555 constituting 88% of total missing persons). About 237 children have been orphaned and 223 women lost their spouses, 5889 people were injured and 291 were permanently disabled. Economic losses have been estimated at around Rs. 113,533 million which amounts to 0.45% of Gross Domestic Product of the country at current prices in Over 2 million were directly or indirectly affected. Among these, large numbers of people had to be moved to 1 Disclaimer: This report has been jointly developed by staff from NACA, FAO, SEAFDEC and BOBP- IGO for internal use. Every possible effort has been made, considering the circumstances, to verify the information. The report is considered appropriate at the time of its preparation. It will be updated as necessary in light of further knowledge gained at subsequent stages of the evolution of the situation. The organizations concerned make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or content of the material, text and any graphics in this document. They also decline all responsibility for updating the material and assume no responsibility for errors and omissions in the material provided in the document. 2 CONSRN Regional Workshop on Rehabilitation of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Coastal Communities of tsunami affected countries in Asia (Bangkok 28 th Feb-1 st Mar 2005). India country report

2 the safer place. It has been estimated that about 0.57 million people were evacuated from the tsunami affected areas to safety. Source: UNDMT Situation Report 18 January Fisheries The fisheries sector in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has suffered major damage (Table 1).. Many fishers are unable to work due to loss of boats and gear, or due to fear of the sea. Fishers in some areas are beginning to return to sea. However, the market for seafood has plummeted due to public fear of disease and contamination from bodies. This issue persists despite resounding dismissal by health authorities throughout the region, further complicating the lives of those fishers still able to work. Table 1. Tsunami impact and district. State/ Province District Total Village Fishing village Villages (people) affected 2 Landing centers (damaged) No. of fishers Human losses (missing) 2 Fishing vessel 2 Damaged/Lost Andaman & Nicobar Is inhabited Islands. 30 Islands (22,000) 49 (20) 1,899 (5,554) 1,401 damaged/lost Tamil Nadu 13 13, (373) 373 (890,885) 362 (13) 698,268 7,983 (383) 56,686 damaged/lost Pondicherry 2 33 (43,432) 591 (75) 6639 damaged/lost Andhra Pradesh Kerala Total (196,320) 3 1, (130,000) Is (47) 105 (11) million 9,675 (6,490) 12,427 damaged/lost 10,882 damaged/lost 88,035 damaged/lost Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu was the worst affected state with around 8,000 people killed. All thirteen coastal districts were affected but the worst losses occurred in Nagapattinam district where more than 6,000 people were killed. An estimated 85 percent of people affected by the tsunami in Tamil Nadu are believed to be from the fishing community. Tamil Nadu has 373 fishing villages and 362 fish landing centres, which are mostly small and cater to the needs of small mechanized fishing crafts and traditional boats. In 2000 there were a total 698,268 people engaged in fisheries with some 10,000 mechanized fishing vessels, 21,000 vallams and 28,000 catamarans. It is currently estimated that around 4,000 mechanized boats, 2,4055 catamaran, 8,879 Vallum/FRP boats, 19,750 engines (OBM) and 2 patrol boats were lost or fully damaged along with 5000 trawl nets and 150,000 other nets damaged or lost. Thirteen harbours/fish-landing centres were

3 affected The fisheries sector has suffered major damage in terms of lives, boats, gear and to the infrastructure such as harbours and fish landing centres. Fisherman of Ramanathapuram and Thoothukkudi districts of Tamil Nadu are reported to have resumed fishing activity in a big way 2 while the activity on the coast of Pudukkottai, Thanjavur and Kanniyakumari districts is picking up momentum. Fishing activity in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Thiruvallur and Nagapattinam has not recovered. The South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies are running Boat Repair Camps in Kanyakumari District with volunteers from the National Fishworkers' Forum. They have opened a Fishing Craft & Gear control room to collate requests for repair of craft and gear. Tamil Nadu's fishing community is a significant contributor to the state economy with marine fish landings estimated around 380,000 metric tonnes per annum. About 58,000 metric tonnes of seafood valued at about 480 million U.S. dollars is exported annually from the seafood processing units located in the state. Out of the total damage/loss of Rs. 53,400 million estimated by the State Government, Rs. 18,040 million pertains to fisheries sector (Table 2 and 3) Table 2 Summary of losses to fishing and aquaculture industries (March 1 st 2005). Item Total number lost/damaged No. of Traditional boats lost Traditional boats damaged Engine fitted/mechanized boats lost 6584 Engine fitted/mechanized boats damaged 3357 Fishing nets 915 (MT) 20,2349(Nos) Aqua farms (ha) 5753 Andhra Pradesh Fishers were affected along 1,000 km of coastline, with Krishna and Prakasam districts the most serious, and damage also to Guntur, Nellore West Godavari, East Godavari and Vishakapatnam. Approximately 1,362 fishing boats and 40,000 nets were lost. At Vishakapatnam there was damage to trawlers, fishing equipment and fish stored for export. Over 10,827 motorised traditional boats (including 319 mechanised boats) were damaged. Aroudn 130,000 families of fishers have been directly impacted with 300,000 fishers (from 301 villages) rendered jobless (estimated to be losing Rs. 50 million a day). Fishing is a major trade activity in coastal Andhra Pradesh. The state produces 200,000 tonnes of marine fish every year. Out of a total estimated loss of RS 3,496 million RS 2,445 million relates to the fishing sector alone.

4 The situation is slowly improving. All relief camps are now closed 2 with people returning to their villages. The fishermen, in north and central coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizainagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna, have started fishing activity. Kerala Kerala suffered substantial losses along around 250km of coastline. About 425,000 people from 187 villages have been affected. Of these 126,000 were fishing households. In terms of economic loss, around 60 mechanized boats, 949 engine (OBM) fitted boats and 4,068 traditional crafts were lost/fully damaged with 336 mechanized boats, 571 engines fitted (IBM/OBM) boats and 4,898 traditional crafts were partially damaged. In addition 915 MT of fishing nets and 349 fishing nets of various types were lost or fully damaged. Infrastructure losses include 8 fishing harbour and 15 fish landing centres which were affected. Over1924 ha of mangrove we re affected. Out of the total estimated loss of Rs around Rs million relates tot eh fishing sector. Those who have not lost their fishing crafts and implements have resumed fishing in Polam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. Other traditional fishermen and boat owners have not resumed fishing activities due to boat/gear damage. Table 3. Estimate infrastructure losses Items Total Infrastructure (Rs. in million) Power 3640 Ports 6200 Roads and Bridges 8750 Other building/structures 8530 Families lost household articles No. of orphans 237 No. of widows 223 Disabled & Infirm 291 Estimates of loss/damage by States/UTs (Rs. million) Total people affected Pondicherry Around 25 km of coastline was affected by the tsunamis with penetration ranging from 300 m to 3 km affecting 26 villages. Over 15,000 households of traditional fishing families lost their belongings. Damage to fishing vessels is estimated at 3,720 traditional crafts, 1,199 engine fitted traditional crafts and 1,720 mechanized boats/frp were lost or damaged fully. One fishing harbour has been affected and loss worked out to around Rs. 25 million. Of the total economic loss of Rs million, a sum of Rs. 604 million pertains to fisheries sector.

5 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 30 of the 38 inhabited islands of the Nicobars were affected, with the worst being Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar and the Nancowrie group. The total population of the affected Islands is about 60,000. Seven islands were fully evacuated including Trinket, Kondul, Pilomillow, Little Nicobar, Bambooka, Chowra and Tilanchang. Evacuees have been moved to 6 of the Nicobar Islands (Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar (Campbell Bay), Katchal, Kamorta, Nancowry and Teressa and 2 Andaman Islands (Little Andaman at Hut Bay and South Andaman at Port Blair) where relief operations are concentrated, with 37,264 persons in 190 relief camps. Port Blair was damaged but four of the 6 jetties are now functional. There are 49 jetties in A&N Islands of which 29 are now operational including 11 jetties in Andaman district. All small harbours and jetties in the Nicobar islands have been damaged, but three are fit for operation: One each at Car Nicobar, Nancowry (Kamorta) and Nancowry (Champin). Only two of the 30 lighthouses in the A&N Islands are functioning. Normal power has been restored at Great Nicobar and Kamorta Islands. Some power is available via gensets on Katchal, Teressa and other islands. In total about 22,000 fishermen and 1,215 fishermen households were affected. Economic losses include 413 local dinghies (traditional boats), 376 engine fitted traditional crafts which were lost or fully damaged and 201 local dinghies (traditional boats) and 411 engine fitted boats which were partially damaged. Over 2,003 fishing nets of different types and 5,014 hooks &line were lost or totally damaged. Infrastructure (coldstorage/iceplants) for the fisheries sector to the value of Rs 60.4 million was damaged. Out of total loss of Rs million worked out by the UT Administration, a sum of Rs 290 million pertains to the fisheries sector. Aquaculture Many hatchery facilities in the southern India regions were severely affected with an estimated 5,753 farms and facilities damaged. While the second harvest had been completed, farm infrastructure has been badly damaged and this is likely to impact on future production. In the Kovalam, Marakanam and Pondy belt, most of the shrimp hatcheries have lost their pump houses, fencing etc. Shrimp farms at Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkali were severely affected with collapsed bunds and damaged pumps. Shrimp farms in the Vellar estuaries (Chidambaram, Sirkali) were heavily damaged from seawater inundation. Sea based farms in Tharangampadi, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam and Velankanni had their bunds and equipment including motors and pumps destroyed. Broodstock availability is likely to decline due to damage to fishing vessels, further reducing the likelihood of having a crop in the next season. Kerala Total loss is estimated around Rs. 14,900,000. At least 14 shrimp hatcheries have been affected covering 4 districts (Kollam, Alleppey, Ernakulam, and Kannur). Most of these

6 are small-scale hatcheries, but some may have employed a few local workers. Around 1100 ha area under the government sector aqua farm and 2,200 ha under government assisted private sector farms and 6 hatcheries were affected by Tsunami. Tamil Nadu Total loss is estimated at around Rs. 62,700,000, which including a 120 ha of small-scale shrimp farms in Nagapattinam and Karaikal (Pondicherry) districts, and 11 hatcheries. The compound wall of the lobster fattening centre in Chennai was destroyed. Around 250 ha of fish farm have been damaged Pondicherry No aquaculture impacts reported. Andhra Pradesh According to officials 400 fish tanks (around 249 ha) were damaged. Unofficial estimated loss at Rs. 500 million. Aquaculture farms over 400 acres were also damaged. The state s seafood industry accounts for percent of India total seafood exports. Most of the hatcheries were not much affected except Thupilipalem in Nellore District. Seabass hatcheries in Thirumullaivasal were badly affected with one farm totally submerged. Government assistance programs to fisheries The key areas for concern in the fisheries sector are:- Loss of life / missing / disabled fishermen. Loss of property of the fishermen (house, fishing craft, gear and other properties). Rehabilitation of fishermen. Restoration of fishing operations. Inundation of low-lying coastal areas by seawater. The Government while managing the disaster had taken it as an opportunity for rebuilding the fisheries sector by providing assistance to fishermen to modernize their craft and gear to augment fish production. The respective state governments took various initiatives in addition to relief measures such as special packages for fishermen including replacement of crafts and gear, restoration of infrastructure facilities etc. The Central Government had announced special package for rehabilitation of fishers:- 100% assistance to fisheries for replacement of traditional crafts and gear. 100% assistance for repair of traditional crafts. For replacement of Vallam/FRP boat, 35% subsidy and 65% loan from banks/ financial institutions. 35% of the cost subject to maximum of Rs 0.5 million for replacement of mechanized boats. Repair of partly damaged Vallam (FRP) Rs /- per craft. For repair of mechanized boats, 60% of cost subject to minimum of Rs and maximum of Rs. 0.3 million.

7 Repair of partly damaged OBM/IBM at a unit cost of Rs Replacement of nets lost of fully damaged at the rate of Rs per unit. This is in addition to exgratia, assistance provided for housing, infrastructure etc. The banks/financial institutions have been directed to provide loan at easy terms and conditions. Key measures taken by the government include:- Relief measure to provide food, medicine, clothing. Respective State Governments organized relief camps and announced relief/ rehabilitation packages. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams were deputed to the affected areas to assess the damages and losses. In the light of assessment reports, Central Government extended assistance to the concerned States/UT s for relief/rehabilitation of affected people. Need based special packages have been announced especially for fishermen and other affected people to bring them into the mainstream. State Governments, corporate, NGOs, voluntary organisations supplied raw material and financial help to the respective States for the benefit of affected people. HUDCO earmarked Rs. 20 billion for lending towards the construction and rehabilitation works in the Tsunami affected areas. NABARD issued directions to all banks to extend loan to bring the affected people including fishermen into mainstream at 7% rate of interest per annum with moratorium period of one and a half years, repayment period of 7 years and 2% subsidy on prompt repayment of loan without enforcing repayment of earlier loan and other conditions. India already has 20 data buoys (sensors) installed in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea but these were not pressure sensitive and now appeared inadequate. It is under consideration to install a sophisticated system to detect deep-sea movements such as Tsunami and develop a network with the countries in this region for sharing information on this. The Deep Ocean Assessment and reporting system (DOARS), which will be installed at a depth of 6 km. under the sea, will have pressure sensors to detect the water movement. These will be linked to the satellite, which will relay the information to the earth station. The Government is exploring possibilities and working out modalities to seek assistance from Multilateral Agencies such as World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to rebuild infrastructure and developing disaster prevention and management systems following the Tsunami havoc. Future initiatives The Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS) was organized at Bhubaneshwar on The scientists, wetland experts and engineers from 32 countries urged all national

8 governments to establish and enforce No construction Zones in vulnerable areas and formulate a sustainable management plan for ecosystem recovery in the light of predictions that there will be an increasing frequency and intensity of storm and other extreme weather. The Tsunami of 2004 created an opportunity to demonstrate best practices in integrated coastal management and to make a paradigm shift from earlier unsustainable practices. The coordinated and harmonized assessments in priority stretches of affected coastline in order to identify areas where ecological restoration would be most affective for natural green belts for protection against severe storms and Tsunami is the need of the hour. The five aboriginal tribes inhibiting the A&N Islands (Jarwas, Onges, Shompens, Sentenelse and Great Andamanese) emerged unscathed from the Tsunamis because of their age old warning systems. The tribes get wind of impending danger from biological warning signals like the cry of birds and change in the behavioral pattern of marine animals. The early warning system developed by their forefathers and adopted successfully by the tribes must have sent the first alarm signal and given them time to run for safety. No casualties have been reported among the tribes. Such knowledge needs to be recorded and documented. Rehabilitation initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture Government Departments The areas covered for assistance include: Assistance for replacement/repair of craft and gear Repair of infrastructure such as fishing harbour/fish-landing centre. Repair/relocation of ice plants and other infrastructure in case of A&N Islands. Assistance to small entrepreneurs engaged in the sector etc. Gratuitous assistance, housing etc. also taken care of by other Departments of the Government. The Central Government announced a package of Rs million for fisheries sector for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Pondicherry. This consist of Rs million subsidy, Rs million loan from Financial Institutions and Rs million subsidy for repair and restoration of fishing harbour and fish landing centres. The measure taken by the Government covers all the Tsunami affected areas in the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Union Territory of Pondicherry and A&N Islands. International agencies & bilateral donors and NGO s India was able to deal with the immediate relief measures internally. Assistance is only to be sought from multilateral agencies (and not from bilateral donors). An in interministerial core group has been set up in the Planning Commission to formulate proposals. NGO s are active in the relief and recovery operations.

9 Future needs for rehabilitation in fisheries The key challenges for medium to long term rehabilitation includes: Rehabilitation of fishermen. Restoration of infrastructure facilities. Fishing capacity to the level of December 25, Community Disaster Management Programme covering awareness, communication and other aspects. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance System (MCS) including registration of vessels, insurance etc. Debris in the seabed. Salination of soil, fresh water etc. Key information resources Maps of affected areas Tamil Nadu Disaster Management and Mitigation Department list of contacts Nagapattinam District Coastal Areas TSUNAMI Affected Village Particulars and map Kerala Tsunami relief operations in Kerala. Very detailed information down to Taluk level, including contact numbers for local authorities. Other sources B.Vishnu Bhat. JD (Aqua) MPEDA BOBP-IGO Website: ( Y.C. Thampi Samraj, Project Director, RGCA Key contacts South Indian Association of Fishermen Societies. Information gaps Detailed information on Kerala and Pondicherry. Information on aquaculture is sparse.

10 References 1. World Health Organization Situation Report No. 19, 16 January UNDMT Situation report India 18 January 2005.

11 Tsunami Relief Assessment Thirunelveli & Tuticorin Region - 11 Villages Assessed Combined statistical data Village Families Population Damaged Houses Damaged Nets Damaged Boats Damaged Catamarans Damaged Engines Injured Casualties Displaced Michael Nagar George Nagar Kooduthalai Kottapanai Periathalai Manappadu Uvari Koothankuli Thomayarpuram Idintha Karai Perumanal Koothapuli TOTAL Villages: Source: Tsunami South India NGO Coordination Cell Note about engine damages. In several villages the surprising figure of 0 boat engine damaged was given. It seems that after the first mild attack (water rising) people ran away and protected their most precious valuables (boat engine, TV, cash etc.). Boat engines are usually kept in the houses and not left on the boats while not fishing.

12 Tsunami Relief Assessment - Marakannam Region - 14 Villages Assessed Combined statistical data Factories / Injured / Village Population Houses Nets Boats Catamarans* Engines** Schools Hospital Casualties Displaced Dhyandirayan Kuppam Chinna Mudaliyar Chawadi F Pommayar Palayam F Pillai Chavadi F Nadu Kuppam Periya Kalapetu S Kanaga Chety Kulam Nochi Kuppam F 475 Chety Nagar Anumanthai Kuppam Panichamedu Kuppam Mandavai Puku Kuppam Puthu Kuppam Mudalaiyar Kuppam S TOTAL Villages: Factories Schools * Traditional surf landing (kattu maram = tied woods, in Tamil & Malayalam) (nk) ** Mechanised boats Source: Tsunami South India NGO Coordination Cell

13 Tsunami Relief Assessment Andrah Pradesh (Compiled by ICSF, Based on information from DoF, ANdrah Pradesh. ANDHRA PRADESH - Number of fishing units affected Sl. No Item No. of units Unit cost A B C D E Crafts and Nets lost 1 Mechanised boats FRP Nava ,000 3 FRP Boat ,000 4 Wooden Nava ,000 5 Catamarans with OBM 40 75,000 6 Catamarans ,000 Total 1, ,000 Crafts damaged 1 Mechanised boats ,000 2 FRP Nava 748 8,000 3 FRP Boat 90 8,000 4 Wooden Nava 3,147 8,000 5 Catamarans with OBM 2,958 8,000 6 Catamarans 3,565 8,000 Total 10,827 Nets lost/damaged Gill nets 27,084 10,000 Trammel net 6,200 10,000 Long line ,000 Shore seine ,000 Total 34,249 Other losses Dry fish lost (tonnes) 105 Fresh fish lost (tonnes) 789 Total 894 Infrastructure losses Jetties damaged 47 Total 47

14 Tsunami Relief Assessment Pondicherru, Fishing craft damaged (Compiled by ICSF, Based on information from DoF and fisherman s welfare, Pondicherry. Pondicherry Karaikal Total No. of Mechanised boats (Wooden Hull) No. of Mechanised boats (FRP Hull) FRP catamaran with OBM Wooden Catamaran with OBM Catamaran TOTAL Tsunami Relief Assessment Tamil Nadu, Fishing craft damaged (Compiled by ICSF, Based on information from Government of Tamil Nadu. Damaged For Repairs Wooden catamaran 26,943 FRP catamaran 4,440 Wooden/FRP Vallam 8,140 Mechanized boat 2,655 1,775 Total 42,178 1,775 Tsunami Relief Assessment Kerala Fishing craft damaged (Compiled by ICSF, Based on information from Department of Fisheries, Kerala. Fully damaged or lost Partially damaged Total Mechanized boat IBM Boat fitted with OBM Thangu Vallam Marine plywood canoe Plank built canoe Catamaran Total