Abstract
The book provides deep insights into fisheries, an important sector contributing to the economy of Kerala. The reasons for the never ending plight of the fisherfolk, which has been years long topics of heated discussions and debates by policymakers and the government, is highlighted. The book is a collection of anecdotes of the traditional and modern practices in the fishermen community, arranged chronologically comprising 4 parts. Each of the parts provides to the readers a detailed view of the life and livelihood of the fishermen in Kerala. The book discusses in detail about the pre-mechanisation, post-mechanisation and the impacts through 17 chapters.
A detailed description of the voyage of the fisheries sector from a system of subsistence to a commercial sector, the repercussions of the new developments in the fisheries sector and underrepresentation of fishermen are given in the book. In Part I, the author presents a very comprehensive view of the traditional knowledge of the fishermen community. The expertise of fishermen in astronomy, navigation, oceanography and their beliefs of mother sea, sea court are explained in depth. The book through its chapters, makes the readers understand why traditional fishermen were called artisanal fishermen.
In Part II and III, the readers can witness the sudden transformation in the fisheries sector and its impacts. The author tries to give a clear picture by utilising the data of increase in the mechanised boats and ringseine (type of seine used in modern fishing) in Kerala fisheries. These parts take into account the repercussions of Indo-Norwegian project, revenue generation and net income received by fishermen in traditional and modern set up, factors affecting the income receipt and survival strategies of traditional fishermen. The author takes due care to provide insights into the stories of denial of human rights in fish processing industries, lack of diversified employment opportunities and other issues prevailing in the sector.
Part IV surprises the readers in the form of data presented by the author depicting the poor health and social indicators of coastal areas, which is far less and poor when the state of Kerala is doing exemplary well in all these indicators of basic amenities, literacy and health. The book ends with the need for transforming the weather alert and early signalling system to prevent losses of lives and property of fishermen by taking into account the instances of Tsunami 2004 and Ockhi disaster.
The book is lucidly compiled with special sections for acronyms related to fisheries and others, comparative analysis and glossary which makes it easy to grasp by readers worldwide. However, as the chapters proceeds one wonders about the chances of quoting real wordings of the fishermen to have an effect and feel of the issues discussed.
An important but under recognised section of the society in Kerala is very well drawn out in this book by the author which can serve as an authentic source of information. The book is suited for academic research, reference and policy-makings.