ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING,

FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN WELFARE

DEPARTMENT

FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN

WELFARE

POLICY NOTE
2023-2024

DEMAND No.7

Thiru. ANITHA R. RADHAKRISHNAN

Minister for Fisheries-Fishermen Welfare
and Animal Husbandry

©
Government of Tamil Nadu
2023
 Index

Sl.
Subject Page No.
No.
1 Introduction 1
2 Fisheries Policy Perspective 3
3 Administrative Setup 9
Fisheries Sector in Tamil Nadu
4 13
- An Overview
5 Marine Fisheries activities and schemes 22
6 Development of Inland Fisheries 58
7 Development of Fisheries Infrastructure 87
8 Marketing of Fish and Fishery Products 116
9 Training and financial services 120
10 Extension and other activities 122
11 Fisheries Co-operative Societies 125
12 Sustainable Development Goals 127
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board
13 129
(TNFWB)
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries
14 Co-operative Federation Limited 135
(TAFCOFED)
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development
15 141
Corporation Limited (TNFDC)
Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries
16 153
University (TNJFU)
17 Way Forward 171
18 Budget Allocation for the year 2023-24 174
19 Conclusion 174
20 Annexure 178
 FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN

WELFARE DEPARTMENT

POLICY NOTE

2023–2024

1. INTRODUCTION

The rich fisheries biodiversity of the State

provide livelihood opportunities to more
than a million people directly and in the ancillary
activities. During the year 2021-22, the sector’s
contribution to the State agriculture GDP is
5.78%. The State’s contribution from fisheries
sector in the foreign exchange is
Rs.6,559.64 crore by exporting 1.14 lakh metric
tonnes of fish and fishery products during the
year 2021-22.

The Government provides utmost care and

importance to ensure the livelihood and welfare of
the fishers. Social security of the fishers is being
ensured through the welfare schemes during the

1
fishing ban and lean periods. The well-established
seamless communication system is further
strengthened to ensure the safety and security of
the fishermen at sea, besides protecting the
traditional fishing rights of the fishermen.

Fisheries sector of the State has enormous

potential for extending its reach to hitherto under
exploited resources in both marine and inland
waters, as well as to increase the production from
aquaculture. Ponds and tanks including farm
ponds play a crucial role in harvesting and holding
rainwater for recharging the groundwater, besides
contributing considerably to the inland fish
production. Due to the ever growing population of
the country, requirement towards the healthy fish
protein is also increasing, which needs to be
addressed in a sustainable manner. To match
such demands, the Government works constantly
towards harnessing the fullest potential of the

2
resources and for creating additional fishery
resources.

The Government is undertaking various

innovative programmes for enhancing the fish
production through conservation of fishery
resources and sustainable marine capture fish
production. State of the art infrastructure facilities
such as fishing harbours, fish landing centres,
shore facilities, fish markets, cold storages and ice
plants etc are essentially required for the safe
berthing of the fishing crafts and hygienic
handling of fishes. In view of fulfilling this
objective, the Government invests highly in
creation of these infrastructure facilities.

2. FISHERIES POLICY PERSPECTIVE

The fisheries policy perspective of the

Government of Tamil Nadu is to ensure fishermen
welfare, to augment fish production, to enhance
the income of the fishers and fish farmers and to
ensure safety and security of fishermen.

3
2.1 Vision

“Ensuring safety, security and wellbeing of

the fishers of Tamil Nadu by providing
avenues for safety and sustainable fishing,
optimal utilization, management of fishery
resources and increasing the fish production
through aquaculture”.

2.2 Mission

To develop, manage, conserve and

sustainable utilization of all aquatic resources for
improving livelihoods, generating employment,
food and nutritional security, economic prosperity
and ensuring safety and security of fishers.

2.3 Major Policies

The major fisheries policies of the

Government are as follows:

1. Protection of traditional fishing rights and

welfare of fishermen of Tamil Nadu.

4
2. Improving the living standards of fishers
through various welfare schemes.

3. Enhancing the productivity and production of

fish from inland, brackishwater and marine
resources.

4. Creating alternative livelihood opportunities

to the fishers.

5. Creation and upgradation of infrastructure

facilities such as Government fish farms,
Fishing Harbours (FHs), Fish Landing Centres
(FLCs), cold chain, value addition, forward
and backward linkages.

6. Generating additional rural employment

opportunities through fish culture.

7. Empowerment of fisherwomen in livelihood

activities.

8. Conservation, management and sustainable

utilization of potential inland fishery
resources to provide livelihood, generation of

5
 employment opportunities, food & nutritional
security and economic prosperity.

9. Bridging the gap between demand and

supply of fish seed.

10. Harnessing the opportunity of expanding

export market for high value fish and fishery
products.

11. Conserving fishery resources, stock

enhancement and management through
enforcement of relevant Acts, Rules and
Regulations.

12. Capacity building and skill upgradation for

fishers and departmental officials in Human
Resource Development, Research &
Development and technological interventions
in Fisheries sector.

13. Re-assessment of the fishery resources and

their potential in the State of Tamil Nadu.

6
14. Ensuring transparency in implementation and
monitoring of developmental schemes and
welfare measures through
e-Governance.

2.4 Major activities of the Department

The following are the major activities of the

Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department:

1. Protection of traditional fishing rights of

Tamil Nadu fishermen.

2. Ensuring fishermen safety at sea.

3. Search, Rescue and Rehabilitation measures

during natural calamities and disasters.

4. Implementing various social security welfare

schemes for fisherfolk.

5. Enforcement of fisheries Acts and Rules.

6. Conservation and management of fishery

resources in inland and marine waters
through ranching programme.

7
7. Development of inland fisheries and
aquaculture through Union and State
Government schemes.

8. Development of infrastructure facilities such

as fishing harbours, fish landing centres and
Government fish farms.

9. Hygienic marketing of fish and fishery

products and establishing cold chain
facilities.

10. Special focus on alternative livelihood of

fisherwomen.

11. Capacity building and skill development for

fish farmers and fishers.

12. Outreach and extension activities.

13. Management of fisheries cooperatives.

14. Improving the socio-economic status of the

fishers through alternative livelihood
activities.

8
 15. Introduction of advanced technologies to
increase fish production.

16. Implementation of welfare schemes to the

fishers by providing tax exempted diesel and
subsidized kerosene.

17. Providing relief and assistance through

Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP

The Department is headed by the

Commissioner of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare. The Commissioner of Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare is also the Managing Director
of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation
Limited (TNFDC), the Functional Registrar of all
Fishermen and Fisherwomen Co-operative
Societies including Tamil Nadu State Apex
Fisheries Co-operative Federation Limited
(TAFCOFED) and the Member Secretary of
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board (TNFWB).

9
 Organogram

Commissioner of Fisheries and Fishermen

Welfare

Additional Director of Superintendent Financial Chief

Fisheries and of Police (1) Advisor & Chief Engineer
Fishermen Welfare (2) Accounts (1)
Officer (1)

Joint Director of Deputy

Fisheries and Superintendent Accounts Executive
Fishermen Welfare (4) of Police (1) Officer (1) Engineer
/ Deputy Director of (5)
Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare
(11) / Deputy Director
(Engineering) (1) /
Deputy Director
(Personnel) (1)

Assistant
Assistant Director of
Executive
Fisheries and
Engineer
Fishermen Welfare
(13)
(49) / Personal
Assistant (12) /
Deputy Registrar (1)

Inspector of Fisheries Inspector of Assistant

and Fishermen Police (10) Engineer
Welfare (167) / / Sub- (13) / Junior
Cooperative Inspector of Engineer
Sub-Registrar (16) Police (8) (17)

Sub-Inspector of
Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare
(84) / Senior
Inspector of
Cooperative Societies
(27) / Marine
Foreman (13)

10
The total sanctioned staff strength of the
Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department is
1,796. The category-wise staff strength is given in
Table 1.

Table: 1

Category wise staff strength

No. of Posts
Sl.
Name of the Post (Sanctioned+
No.
deputation)
Commissioner of Fisheries and
1. 1
Fishermen Welfare
Additional Director of Fisheries and
2. 2
Fishermen Welfare
Joint Director of Fisheries and
3. 4+1
Fishermen Welfare
Deputy Director of Fisheries and
4. 11+2
Fishermen Welfare
5. Deputy Director (Personnel) 1

6. Deputy Director (Engineering) 1

Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts
7. 1
Officer
Assistant Director of Fisheries and
8. Fishermen Welfare / Assistant 49+8
Director (Mechanical)

11
 No. of Posts
Sl.
Name of the Post (Sanctioned+
No.
deputation)
9. Deputy Registrar 1

10. Accounts Officer 1

Inspector of Fisheries and Fishermen
11. 167
Welfare
Sub-Inspector of Fisheries and
12. 84
Fishermen Welfare
13. Ministerial and field staff 1,263+1
Total 1,586+12
Engineering Wing
1. Chief Engineer 1
2. Executive Engineer 5
3. Assistant Executive Engineer 13
4. Assistant Engineer 13
5. Junior Engineer 17
6. Senior Draughting Officer 1
7. Draughting Officer 8
8. Junior Draughting Officer 4
9. Divisional Accountant 4
10. Technical Assistant 23
11. Ministerial and supporting staff 9
Total 98

12
 No. of Posts
Sl.
Name of the Post (Sanctioned+
No.
deputation)
Marine Enforcement Wing

1. Superintendent of Police 1

2. Deputy Superintendent of Police 1

3. Inspector of Police 10

4. Sub Inspector of Police 8

5. Head Constable / Constable 53

6. Police Driver 19

7. Superintendent 1

8. Assistant 2

9. Camp Clerk 17

Total 112

Grand Total 1,796+12

4. FISHERIES SECTOR IN TAMIL NADU - AN

OVERVIEW

Tamil Nadu has 1,076 km long coastline,

which is the 2nd largest in the country. Marine fish
production (2021-22) of the State is

13
5.95 lakh MT, of which 1.14 lakh MT, valued at
Rs.6,559.64 crore has been exported.

Tamil Nadu possess 3.85 lakh hectare

inland water spread area comprising reservoirs,
major and minor irrigation tanks, ponds, rivers,
backwaters and other water bodies. The inland
fisheries sector supports the livelihood of
2.36 lakh inland fisherfolk of the State.

An estimated brackish water area of

56,000 hectare is available in the form of lagoons,
estuaries and back waters, which are potential
source of capture fisheries. There are 2,177 farms
spread over in an area of 4,207.34 hectare is
under coastal aquaculture.

4.1 Marine Fisheries

An overview of the marine fisheries sector is

given in Table 2:

14
 Table: 2
Marine Fisheries Statistics- 2022-23
Coastal length 1,076 km
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 1.9 lakh sq. km
Continental shelf 41,412 sq. km
Number of Coastal Districts 14
Number of Fishing Villages 608

Marine Fisherfolk Population 10.48 lakh

Marine Fisherfolk enrolled in

Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare 4,41,977
Board
Fishing Crafts registered (online)
Mechanized boats 5,830
Traditional fishing Crafts 45,685
(Motorized and non-motorized) (41,593 + 4,092)
Infrastructure Facilities
1. Chennai,
2. Poompuhar,
Mayiladuthurai
District
Major Fishing
3. Nagapattinam,
Harbours - 9
4. Mookaiyur,
Ramanathapuram
District
5. Thoothukudi,

15
 6. Chinnamuttom,
Kanniyakumari
District
7. Muttom (PPP),
Kanniyakumari
District
8. Colachel,
Kanniyakumari
District
9. Thengapattinam,
Kanniyakumari
District
1. Pazhayar,
Mayiladuthurai
District,
2. Mallipattinam,
Medium Fishing Harbours - 4 Thanjavur District
3. Cuddalore
4. Nambiyar Nagar,
Nagapattinam
District.
1. Thiruvottiyurkuppam
,Chennai District
2. Azhagankuppam,
Villupuram District
Fishing Harbours under &
construction - 5 Alambaraikuppam,
Chengalpattu
District

16
 3. Vellapallam,
Nagapattinam
District
4. Tharangambadi,
Mayiladuthurai
District
5. Arcottuthurai,
Nagapattinam
District
Fishing Harbours under 1. Thengapattinam,
Modernization - 3 Kanniyakumari
District
2. Thoothukudi,
3. Pazhayar,
Mayiladuthurai
District.
Fish Landing Centres/ Jetties 52
Fish Landing Points 251
Marine Fish Production
5.95 lakh MT
(2021-22)
Quantity: 1,14,810
Marine Products Export MT;
(2021-22) * Value : Rs.6,559.64
crore
Source: * Marine Products Export Development Authority

17
 Total Fish Production of Tamil Nadu
(in lakh tonnes)

8.5
8.06
8
Fish Production

7.57
7.5 7.22
6.81 6.9
7

6.5

6
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
Year

Fish and Fishery Products Export of

Tamil Nadu
7,000 6210.52 6559.64
6,000 5408.81 5591.49 5565.48
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000 1,144 1,288 1,349 1,100 1,148
1,000
0
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
Year

Quantity
Quantity ( in(in
100 100
metricMT)
Tonnes ) Value
Value (in(Rs.
crores)
in crore)

18
4.2 Inland Fisheries

Tamil Nadu is endowed with 3.85 lakh ha of

inland water resources. The inland fishery
resources include reservoirs, major and minor
irrigation tanks, ponds, rivers and other water
bodies which are amenable to both capture and
culture fisheries.

An overview of the inland fisheries sector is

given in Table: 3.

Table: 3

Inland Fisheries Statistics 2022-23

Inland Fishery Resources 3,85,761 ha

Reservoirs (90 Nos) 62,015 ha
Major, Minor Irrigation Tanks
2,67,746 ha
and Ponds
Brackish water area 56,000 ha
Population of inland fishers 2.36 lakh
Inland Fisherfolk enrolled in
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare 57,772
Board

19
 Inland Fisheries Infrastructure
Fish Seed Production Centres
Government Fish Seed
10+1(TNFDC)
Production Centre
Private Fish Seed Production
42
Centre
Fish Seed Rearing Centres
Government Fish Seed Rearing
39+5(TNFDC)
Centre
Private fish Seed Rearing
290
Centre
Fish Seed Rearing in cages
3
(Government)
Inland Fish Production
2.11 lakh MT
(2021-22)

4.3 Brackish Water Fisheries Management

Brackish water area are dynamic ecosystem

provide diverse habitat for the proliferation of
diadromous and estuarine resident fish species to
complete their life cycle. Brackish water fisheries
resources include estuaries, Backwater,
Mangroves & Lagoons. They are one of the finest
nurseries and breeding grounds for a number of
commercially as well as ecologically important
species of fish, prawn and crabs.

20
 The major estuaries and Brackish water
area in Tamil Nadu are Pulicat lake, Araniar,
Ennore, Muttukadu back water, Pazhayar,
Pitchavaram, Punnakayal, Muthupet lagoon,
Manakudi, Thengapattinam, Coleroon, Gedilam
and Adyar back water. Brackish water lakes and
estuaries are highly complex, but very productive
ecosystems with a larger economic, social and
environmental significance. The total brackish
water area of Tamil Nadu has been estimated to
be 56,000 ha, which accounts for 3.98% of the
total estimated area of brackishwater in India.

4.4 Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture

Marine fish stock and catch is dwindling in

many parts of the world. Declining fish catch,
increasing input costs of fishing operations and
the unrelenting demand for marine products has
prompted an interest in Mariculture and Coastal
Aquaculture. The Government’s policy framework
promotes responsible and sustainable Coastal
aquaculture and mariculture, by means of an
integrated approach involving all stakeholders.

21
 Shrimp is one of the most traded seafood
commodities and shrimp aquaculture is
considered to be one of the successful venture of
modern aquaculture. Shrimp farming sector
generates employment opportunities and provides
foreign exchange to the Country.

In Tamil Nadu 2,177 shrimp farms with an

extent of 4,207.34 ha area have been registered
under Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA). In
Tamil Nadu, 78 shrimp hatcheries are catering to
the seed requirements of our State as well as
neighbouring States.

5. Marine Fisheries activities and schemes

The Government of Tamil Nadu have

released an amount of Rs.319.04 crore to marine
fishers under various welfare schemes during the
year 2022-23.

The details of various welfare schemes are

given below:

22
5.1 STATE SCHEMES

5.1.1 Special allowance to marine

fishermen families during Lean
Fishing Period

To alleviate the sufferings of the marine

fishermen families who are actively involved in
marine fishing activities, the Government of
Tamil Nadu is extending relief assistance to
marine fishermen families during lean fishing
months.

During the year 2021-22, the Government

enhanced the relief assistance from Rs.5,000/- to
Rs.6,000/- to marine fishermen families.
Accordingly, the Government sanctioned an
amount of Rs.104.38 crore for disbursement of
special relief assistance to fishermen families for
the year 2022-23, out of which an amount of
Rs.92.63 crore has been disbursed to
1,54,384 marine fishermen families in 12 coastal
Districts. For Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli

23
Districts, disbursement of relief assistance will be
completed by May, 2023.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 also.

5.1.2 Fishermen Savings-cum-Relief Scheme

Marine Fishermen savings–cum-relief

scheme has been implemented as State scheme
from the year 2022-23. Under this scheme, relief
amount of Rs.4,500/- including fishermen
contribution of Rs.1,500/- is being provided to
fishermen during fishing lean months.

The Government have sanctioned an

amount of Rs.63.26 crore for this scheme during
2022-23, out of which an amount of
Rs.52.43 crore has been disbursed to
1,74,772 marine fishermen of 12 coastal Districts
viz., Tiruvallur to Ramanathapuram and
Kanniyakumari Districts. For Thoothukudi and
Tirunelveli Districts, disbursement of relief will be
completed by May, 2023.

24
 This scheme will be continued in the year
2023-24 also.

5.1.3 Savings-cum-Relief scheme for marine

fisherwomen
Marine fisherwomen savings –cum- relief
scheme is being implemented as State scheme
from the year 2006-07. Under this scheme, a
total relief amount of Rs.4,500/- per fisherwomen
is being disbursed during fishing lean months,
which includes their contribution amount of
Rs.1,500/-.

The Government have sanctioned an

amount of Rs.63.36 crore for this scheme during
the year 2022-23, out of which an amount of
Rs.52.67 crore has been disbursed to
1,75,588 marine fisherwomen of 12 coastal
Districts viz., Tiruvallur to Ramanathapuram and
Kanniyakumari Districts. For Thoothukudi and
Tirunelveli Districts, disbursement of relief
assistance will be completed by May, 2023.

25
 This scheme will be continued in the year
2023-24 also.

5.1.4 Supply of Tax-exempted Diesel to

Fishing Boats

The Government of Tamil Nadu provides sales

tax exempted diesel to the registered mechanized
fishing boats at the rate of 18,000 litres per boat
per year at the rate of 1,800 litres for 10 months
except two months of fishing ban period and to
registered motorized country crafts at the rate of
4,000 litres per craft per year through Tamil Nadu
Fisheries Development Corporation Limited and
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative
Federation Limited.

During the year 2022-23, a total quantity of

93,992 KL of diesel has been supplied with a total
sales tax exemption of Rs. 169.27 crore.

26
5.1.5 Supply of subsidized Industrial
Kerosene to Traditional Fishing Crafts
The Government is providing 3,400 litres of
industrial kerosene per motorized country boat
per year at the subsidized rate of Rs.25/- per litre
to the registered fishing crafts of Thoothukudi,
Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari Districts.

During the year 2022-23, a total quantity of

17,100 KL of industrial kerosene has been
supplied with a total subsidy amount of
Rs.112.02 crore.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 also.

5.1.6 Daily relief to marine fishermen

apprehended by neighbouring
Countries
The Government supports the families of
fishermen who are apprehended by Sri Lanka and
other neighbouring countries while fishing, by
providing a daily allowance of Rs.250/- to the
family of the apprehended fishermen. The relief

27
assistance under this scheme is being provided
through the District Collectors. During the year
2022-23, a sum of Rs.10.53 lakh has been
released as daily relief to 121 fishermen families.

This scheme will be continued during

2023-24 also.

5.1.7 Daily relief to the families of missing

fishermen while fishing
The State Government is providing daily
relief assistance of Rs.250/-(Rs.7,500/-per
month) to the families of fishermen who went
missing while fishing at sea for two years or until
they receive monetary benefits through Group
Accident Insurance Scheme/ Tamil Nadu
Fishermen Welfare Board. A sum of Rs.7.81 lakh
has been released as daily relief assistance to
18 fishermen families for the year 2022-23.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 as well.

28
5.1.8 Relief to the families of deceased
fishermen/ injured fishermen due to
shooting incidents by Sri Lankan
Navy
The fishermen of coastal Districts, who fish
in traditional waters of the Palk Bay are
apprehended/ harassed and sometimes even shot
by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The Government is providing an ex-gratia

payment of Rs.3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s
Public Relief Fund to help the family of fishermen
who die in shooting at sea. In the case of
deceased fisherman being the sole bread-winner
of the family, an ex-gratia amount of Rs.5 lakh is
provided. If the fishermen sustain major and
minor injuries, an ex-gratia amount of
Rs.50,000/- and Rs.20,000/- is provided,
respectively.

29
5.1.9 Providing 50% subsidy to procure
new Tuna Long liner-cum-Gill netter
boats
To support the fishers to harvest the
relatively underexploited oceanic fishery resources
like Tuna and Tuna-like fishes, the Government is
implementing the scheme of ‘Providing
50% subsidy for fishermen to procure new Tuna
Long liner-cum-Gill Netter boats'. Under this
scheme, 50% of the estimated unit cost of Rs.60
lakh or up to a maximum of Rs.30 lakh is
provided as subsidy for construction of new Tuna
Long liner-cum-Gill netter boat.

Under this scheme, an amount of

Rs.51.30 crore was released by the Government
for construction of 171 boats. An amount of
Rs.29.35 crore has been released as subsidy to
103 completed boats and two boats are under
construction. Work orders have been issued to 66
new beneficiaries and boat construction works
have been started.

30
5.2 CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

5.2.1 Livelihood assistance to marine

fishermen families during Fishing Ban
Period
In order to conserve the marine fishery
resources, seasonal fishing ban is being imposed
every year since 2001. This 61 days fishing ban
period is being implemented from April 15th to
June 14th in the East Coast region (Tiruvallur to
Arockiyapuram in Kanniyakumari District) and
June 1st to July 31st in the West Coast region
(Rajakkamangalamthurai to Neerodi in
Kanniyakumari District).

To alleviate the sufferings of the fishermen

during fishing ban period, the Government is
providing fishing ban relief assistance at the rate
of Rs.5,000/- to marine fishermen families of
14 Coastal Districts, in which the Government of
India is providing Rs.1,500/- as central share
under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY). During the year 2022-23, a sum of

31
Rs.89.24 crore has been disbursed to 1,78,472
fishermen families of 14 coastal Districts.

5.2.2 Group Accident Insurance Scheme for

fisherfolk
This scheme is being implemented through
the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY). Under this scheme, an amount of
Rs.5 lakh is provided as relief to deceased
fisherman and an amount of Rs.2.50 lakh is
provided as relief to injured fishermen. For the
year 2022-23, an amount of Rs.1.57 crore
(40% of the premium amount) has been paid to
the National Fisheries Development Board as
State share of premium for 5,43,949 fisher
beneficiaries. This scheme policy is valid until
25.07.2023.

5.2.3 Motorization of Traditional Crafts

Subsidy assistance of Rs.48,000/- or

40% in the unit cost of the engine is being

32
provided to the fishermen for purchase of
Outboard Motor (OBM)/ Inboard Engine (IBE) for
traditional fishing crafts.

During the year 2022-23, a total subsidy

assistance of Rs.9.60 crore has been provided to
the traditional fishermen for purchase of
2,586 OBM/IBE.

5.2.4 Subsidy assistance for Diversification

of Trawl Fishing in Palk Bay Districts to
Deep Sea Fishing
The Government of Tamil Nadu is
implementing the flagship scheme on
‘Diversification of trawl fishing in Palk Bay
Districts to deep sea fishing with Central and
State Government’s financial assistance for a unit
cost of Rs.80 lakh per boat with 70% subsidy
assistance. Out of the total cost of Rs.80 lakh, the
Government of India provides 50% of unit cost @
Rs.40 lakh and the Government of Tamil Nadu
provides 20% of unit cost @ Rs.16 lakh as
subsidy and 20% of unit cost @ Rs.16 lakh

33
sourced from Institutional financing and 10% of
unit cost @ Rs.8.00 lakh is borne by the
beneficiary.

Under this scheme, construction of 55 deep

sea fishing vessels have been completed and
handed over to beneficiaries and another 24 boats
are in various stages of construction.

5.2.5 Subsidy assistance for construction of

FRP boats with accessories as a
replacement for Traditional/ Wooden
Boats
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, the Government is
providing Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats
having 10m overall length (OAL) with engine, nets
and ice boxes at a total unit cost of Rs.5.00 lakh,
in which 40% subsidy assistance of Rs.2.00 lakh
is being provided as subsidy to the fishermen for
replacement for traditional/ wooden fishing boats.

During the year 2022-23, administrative

sanction for providing 300 FRP boats has been

34
issued by the Government at a total estimated
cost of Rs 15 crore and works are in progress.

5.3 Fishing Regulation and Law

Enforcement
5.3.1 Registration of Fishing Vessels

To monitor the operation of fishing boats

and also to ensure coastal security, fishing vessels
are registered through ‘ReALCraft’ website. A total
of 5,830 mechanized fishing boats,
41,593 motorized and 4,092 non-motorized
traditional crafts have been registered online.

5.3.2 Marine Enforcement Wing

In order to enforce the Tamil Nadu Marine

Fishing Regulation (TNMFR) Act and Rules and to
handle inter sector conflicts and law and order
issues arising due to fishing and related activities,
an exclusive Marine Enforcement Wing was
established in Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare
Department with 112 staff including 92 police
personnel.

35
 The Marine Enforcement Wing is actively
involved in enforcing the Tamil Nadu Marine
Fishing Regulation Act, 1983 along the 14 coastal
Districts in the State with permanent posts of
1 Superintendent of Police, 1 Deputy
Superintendent of Police, 10 Inspectors of Police,
8 Sub-Inspectors of Police, 53 Police Constables
and 19 Police Drivers.

The main function of the Marine Enforcement

wing is to conduct patrolling in the sea to enforce
the regulations of fishing and to prevent illegal
fishing, destructive fishing and the use of banned
fishing nets and to convey the information about
the anti-social activities and intelligence gathered
during patrolling to the Coast Guard and local
Police authorities for further action.

5.4 Disaster preparedness, Rescue and

Rehabilitation Measures
The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare is practising the following Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety

36
 and security of fishermen at times of natural
disaster and adverse weather conditions:

1. Dissemination of weather information and

cyclone warnings to fishers.

2. Operating a Central Control Room at the

office of the Commissioner of Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare with essential
communication equipments which are
functioning round the clock with a
dedicated telephone line (044-29530392).

3. Coordinating with all security agencies

such as Coastal Security Group / Indian
Coast Guard / Indian Navy for Search and
Rescue (SAR) of fishermen.

5.4.1 Measures for Communication and

Safety of Fishermen at Sea
5.4.1.1 Providing Wireless Communication
Network Facilities
In order to ensure the safety of fishermen
at sea, communication network facilities have
been established throughout the 14 coastal

37
Districts of Tamil Nadu with 18 communication
towers and control rooms.

Control rooms have been established in

15 locations for effective communication between
shore station and fishing boats inside the sea. The
Government have provided a total of 20,930 VHF
sets, which includes 17,795 Nos of 5-watt hand
held VHF sets to motorized fishing crafts at free of
cost and 3,135 Nos of 25-watt VHF sets to
mechanized fishing crafts with 75% subsidy.

5.4.1.2 Installation of 'Transponders' in

Mechanized Fishing Boats
Transponders have been developed by Indian
Space Research Organization (ISRO) as a means
of communication and tracking system for deep
sea fishing vessels, which will help in monitoring
the fishing vessels and rendering assistance at the
time of distress in deep sea up to 200 nautical
miles.

38
 The Government of India has sanctioned an
amount of Rs.18.01 crore for installation of
transponders in 4,997 mechanized fishing boats
of Tamil Nadu. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu inaugurated the fitment of transponders in
mechanized fishing boats on 30.12.2022.
Subsequently, installation of transponders in
mechanized fishing boats are in progress.

5.4.1.3 Providing Satellite Phones, ‘NavIC’

and ‘Navtex’
To enhance the safety and security of
fishermen while fishing in the deep sea, 160
Satellite phones, 200 NavIC and 80 NavTex
message receivers have been installed in
80 clusters of boats at a total cost of
Rs.2.28 crore. Further, 500 satellite phones have
been distributed with 75% subsidy to deep sea
fishing boats of Tamil Nadu at a cost of
Rs. 5 crore.

39
5.4.1.4 WebGIS based Mobile app ‘Thoondil’

The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen

Welfare in association with the National Centre for
Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MoES), created a mobile application
“THOONDIL”, a Web GIS based Decision Support
System for monitoring the movements of fishing
vessels and registering the crews venturing for
fishing. This application assists the fishermen by
dispensing vital information on real time
positioning, navigation to safe locations, facility to
mark fishing grounds, Potential Fishing Zones
(PFZ), weather forecast and fishing trip records
etc.

5.4.2 Relief assistance to fishing boats

damaged during non-cyclone period
A revolving fund has been created by the
Government of Tamil Nadu to provide immediate
relief assistance to the fishermen whose boats /
fishing implements / houses for damages during
non-cyclone period. An amount of Rs.10 lakh each

40
to all the coastal Districts totalling to
Rs.1.30 crore has been provided as revolving fund
to the coastal District Collectors. During the year
2022-23, Rs.10.89 lakh has been released as
relief to 9 fishing boats that were damaged due to
inclement weather conditions.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 also.

5.4.3 Relief assistance to fishing boats

damaged during ‘Mandous’ Cyclone
During the ‘Mandous’ Cyclone 2022,
mechanised fishing boats, FRP boats, fishing nets
and engines were damaged due to heavy rain fall
and wind in Chennai, Chengalpattu,
Ramanathapuram and Mayiladuthurai Districts.
Hence, considering the livelihood loss of the
fisherfolk, the Government has sanctioned a total
relief amount of Rs.4.67 crore towards the
damages caused during the Cyclone Mandous in
2022.

41
5.4.4 Conservation of Sea Turtles

In order to conserve the Sea Turtles, the

Government has notified to fix ‘Turtle Excluder
Devices (TEDs)’ before the cod end of trawl nets.
Upto five nautical mile radius around the turtle
nesting and breeding grounds is prohibited for
fishing during turtle nesting and breeding season,
i.e., from 1st January to 30th April of every year
(both days inclusive).

5.5 Protection of Traditional Fishing

Rights of Tamil Nadu Fishermen
5.5.1 Retrieval of Katchatheevu

There are 2,490 mechanized fishing boats,

12,443 motorized fishing crafts and 1,020 country
crafts that are engaged in fishing. In the
traditional waters of Palk Bay area
2,08,827 fisherfolk are living in 286 fishing
villages. Around 80,000 fishermen directly depend
on fishing in Palk Bay Districts viz.
Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur,

42
Pudukottai and Nagapattinam Districts for their
livelihood and a large section of coastal
community indirectly depends on the fishing in
the traditional waters of Palk Bay.

Tamil Nadu fishermen are often arrested

while fishing in their traditional waters by Sri
Lankan Navy in the pretext of crossing
International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The
prolonged incarceration of our fishermen and their
fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Government have
been causing a sense of anxiety and insecurity
among the fishermen community of Tamil Nadu
as a whole.

Hence, retrieval of "Katchatheevu" back to

India and restoration of the traditional fishing
rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay area are
on the topmost agenda of the Government of
Tamil Nadu. The Government is taking tireless
efforts for the retrieval of "Katchatheevu"
unilaterally given by the Union Government to

43
Sri Lanka in 1974. An unanimous resolution was
also passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly in this regard. Accordingly, the
Government of Tamil Nadu impleaded itself in the
case filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of
India and urged the Union Government to retrieve
Katchatheevu.

In the SLP.No.8013/2017, an individual

sought Writ of Mandamus against the Union
Government to give effect to/enforce Article 6 of
the 1974 agreement entered between India and
Sri Lanka and delete objectionable provision of
the letter dated 23.03.1976. The Government of
Tamil Nadu has filed Counter Affidavit in the
Hon'ble Supreme Court of India on 05.08.2021.

In this regard, the Hon’ble Chief Minister

has addressed the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India,
through a Memorandum on 17.06.2021.
Subsequently, the Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries-
Fishermen Welfare and Animal Husbandry

44
submitted a Memorandum to Hon’ble Union
Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying on 01.04.2022 to arrive at a permanent
solution to the problems faced by the Tamil Nadu
fishermen and to restore their right to fish in the
traditional waters. The Government of
Tamil Nadu, therefore, reiterate its consistent
stand that a permanent solution to this vexatious
problem faced by our fishermen will be possible
only by restoring India's sovereignty over
Katchatheevu, thereby restoring their rights to
fish in their traditional waters.

5.5.2 Efforts taken by the Government to

release Tamil Nadu Fishermen and
their Fishing Boats apprehended by
the Sri Lankan Navy
The Tamil Nadu fishermen are often
apprehended while fishing in their traditional
waters by the Sri Lankan Navy in the pretext of
crossing International Maritime Boundary Line
(IMBL). With a deep sense of concern on the

45
repeated incidents, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu has written many letters to the
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India bringing the
incidents to the notice for immediate remedial
action through diplomatic channels.

The Government of Tamil Nadu have been

constantly demanding the Union Government to
decisively use diplomatic channels to secure the
immediate release of apprehended fishermen of
Tamil Nadu and also to prevent the recurrence of
such incidents. Whereas, the arrested fishermen
had spent a longest duration of 113 days in
Sri Lankan custody during the yesteryears, now
due to the efforts taken by this Government, the
fishermen were released with a shortest span of
16 days. The Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries-
Fishermen Welfare and Animal Husbandry
submitted a Memorandum to the Hon’ble Union
Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying on 01.04.2022 to release the arrested

46
fishermen and the apprehended fishing boats at
the earliest.

As of now, out 110 apprehended fishing

boats, 6 boats were released by Sri Lankan
Government, 1 fishing boat repatriated back to
Tamil Nadu. Continuous efforts are being taken by
Government of Tamil Nadu to repatriate the
remaining 5 released fishing boats and to release
12 fishermen along with 104 unreleased fishing
boats which are under the custody of Sri Lanka.

5.5.3 India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group

(JWG) on Fisheries
Joint Working Group meetings are being
conducted to release the fishermen and fishing
boats, procedures and protocols to be followed
during the patrolling, apprehension and also to
handle the fishermen in humanitarian manner and
release. So far, five rounds of India and Sri Lanka
Joint Working Group meetings were conducted.
During these meetings, the issue of release and
repatriation of Tamil Nadu fishermen and their

47
fishing boats apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy
were reiterated.

5.6 Brackish water fisheries, Coastal

Aquaculture and Mariculture
5.6.1 Brackish water fisheries

The importance and necessity of action plan

for the promotion of brackish water fisheries is
felt very much critical for long term survival and
sustainability of fisheries in the State. Brackish
water fisheries policy attempts to enhance this
endeavour by giving higher priority and judicious
effective utilisation of brackish water/ saline water
resource by adopting environmental friendly and
cost effective brackish water culture based
capture fisheries, mainly ranching of shrimps,
Mud crab and other economically important fin
fishes.

In this backdrop, the State envisages the

following strategy and action plan for the
management of brackish water lakes and
estuarine fisheries.

48
1. Effective management of brackish water lakes
and estuarine fisheries resources for
economical, social and environmental stability.

2. Ensuring the integration of Brackish water

lakes and estuarine habitat in the coastal zone
development plan with specific guidelines for
the management of Brackish water lakes and
estuarine fisheries

3. Ensuring the productivity of breeding and

nursery areas as well as the migrating routes
of fish species for effective recruitment thereof
good fishing in Brackish water lakes and
estuaries region.

4. Encouraging greater participation of

community in fisheries management and
conservation of bio-diversity in brackish water
lakes and estuarine region.

5. Generation of relevant data and information

through comprehensive research and

49
 monitoring of brackish water lakes and
estuaries to support effective management.

5.6.2 Coastal Aquaculture

The importance of coastal aquaculture in

the context of augmenting fish production,
improving rural economy and productive
utilisation of water resources is well-established.
At present, the State coastal aquaculture is
dominated by shrimp culture. Apart from
encouraging the farmers to grow shrimps in
coastal areas, the Government is committed to
promote the culture of alternative species such as
mud crab, milk fish, mullet and sea bass through
cage culture and pond based culture. Farming for
diversified species such as Sea bass, Milk fish,
Silver pompano, Mullet, Pearlspot and Crab will be
encouraged to be taken up by small farmers
under appropriate schemes through State and
Union Government. Also, in the pond based
coastal aquaculture, Zero water exchange

50
aquaculture systems, renewable energy utilization
culture systems, organic aquaculture systems and
other innovative technologies which minimizes
usage of water and other natural resources are
being encouraged by the State.

According to the resource mapping study

undertaken in Tamil Nadu by CIBA, the State is
having 10,099 ha potential coastal land for
aquaculture. Hence, there is an ample scope for
further development of coastal aquaculture that
can improve the livelihoods of the coastal
population living in remote areas. In order to
promote the coastal aquaculture activities, the
following initiatives need to be undertaken;

1. Suitable lands for fin fish/shell fish farming

have to be identified in Coastal District of
Tamil Nadu through remote sensing and GIS
system coupled with field investigation.

51
 2. Proper land leasing policy has to be evolved
for lands under the control of Government
to promote Coastal aquaculture.

3. Promotion of Coastal aquaculture will be

encouraged in fallow lands unfit for crop
cultivation and development of
Exclusive/Special Coastal Aquaculture Zones
will be promoted in large land parcels.

4. Private sector will be encouraged to

establish brood banks, SPF hatcheries for
shrimp and fin fishes and feed mills using
indigenous raw materials.

In order to simplify the shrimp farm

registration and renewal process, the CAA rules
have been amended and a provision has been
made in the rules to form Sub-Divisional Level
Committee and District Level Committee. To give
effect to the above amendment, the Government
of Tamil Nadu has issued necessary orders.

52
 The Government have accorded
administrative sanction to the tune of
Rs.18.50 crore for the development of shrimp
farming in Tamil Nadu under Pradhan Mantri
Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the
schemes are under implementation. The details of
the schemes are given below;
Table: 4

Sl. Activities No. of Project

No units cost
(Rs. in
Lakh)
Construction of New Brackish 100 ha 800.00
1
water Shrimp farms
2 Inputs for cultivation of shrimp 100 ha 600.00
Construction of Biofloc ponds for 25 nos 450.00
3 brackishwater/saline/alkaline
areas including inputs
Total 1850.00

The State has set up a Marine Finfish Seed

Rearing Centre at Mandapam in Ramanathapuram
District to supply fish seeds to the marine cage
culture. This unit has produced 73,000 marine fin
fish seeds. Subsidy assistance has been extended

53
to fish farmers for establishment of two marine
finfish nursery rearing units at a total cost of
Rs.30 lakh under PMMSY.

5.6.3. Mariculture

Mariculture is a sector of aquaculture that

involves rearing of aquatic organisms under
controlled or semi-controlled conditions in coastal
and offshore waters. Mariculture is the fast
growing subsector of aquaculture and has very
high growth potential. Mariculture activities such
as Seaweed culture and Open sea cage culture,
have been successfully taken up by the State as a
livelihood measure to the coastal fishers.

Open sea Cage farming has emerged as a

viable option to increase production of high value
marine finfish and shellfish. Cage farming
promotes fish production and self-employment for
the coastal fisher youth. Hence, there is
tremendous scope for the further expansion of
cage farming in Tamil Nadu to minimize the
fishing pressure of inshore waters.

54
 To develop a sustainable, eco-friendly,
socially acceptable Mariculture sector in the State
and to augment the State’s production of
seaweed, finfish, shellfish and to provide social
and economic development to the stakeholders,
the following initiatives have been undertaken by
Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department;

1. Mariculture zoning viz., area specific,

species specific plans to be formulated using
modern scientific tools for development.
2. Suitable sites will be demarcated for
different mariculture activities based on
scientific criteria including the socio-cultural
attributes and other logistics.
3. The State will provide handhold technical
support to integrate development through
Central and State Schemes and
programmes.
4. Integrated Mariculture Development Plan for
each of the potential coastal blocks and
Districts through banks/lending agencies.

55
5.6.4 Seaweed culture

Seaweed sector is an emerging area for the

development of rural economy, especially in the
coastal Districts. There is enormous potential for
the development of small scale individual family
and community based seaweed cultivation along
Tamil Nadu coastline. Our State is the top
producer of seaweeds in India and the
Government promotes the seaweed farming as an
alternative livelihood activity for fisher folk.
Empowerment of fisherwomen through seaweed
culture in Tamil Nadu is being done by the
Government. A total sum of Rs.2.43 crore has
been provided to 1,956 coastal fisher women for
procurement of 16,000 monoline and rafts for
seaweed cultivation.

The total potential area for seaweed culture

all along the Tamil Nadu coast is 5048 ha. Present
demand for seaweed in Tamil Nadu is about
1,15,150 MT. However, the actual estimated

56
production is only 13,300 MT. Therefore, the
Government has decided to establish Multipurpose
Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu at a total cost
estimate of Rs.127.71 crore. Under this flagship
project, an appropriate full-fledged infrastructure
facility for holistic development of seaweed
farming and value addition of seaweed will be
created in Hub-I and Hub-II facilities. The
Government is determined to augment the
opportunities of self-employment to fisher folk
especially in Southern coastal District of
Tamil Nadu through this project by infusing
advanced technologies in culture and processing
of seaweeds.

5.6.5 Open sea cage culture

Open sea cage farming has emerged as a

viable option to increase the production of high
value marine finfish and shellfish. Suitable
commercially important fish species for open sea
cage farming are Cobia, Sea bass, Groupers,

57
Pompano and Lobsters. Under various
Government schemes, 384 cages have been
distributed to coastal fisher folk at a project cost
of Rs.16.56 crore for undertaking open sea cage
culture. During the year 2022-23, based on the
administrative sanction obtained from the
Government for distribution of 50 Open sea cages
to marine fisherfolk at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore,
action is being taken to provide open sea cages to
coastal fisherfolk to undertake fish culture in open
sea.

6. Development of Inland Fisheries

Inland fisheries sector is poised to play a

significant role in the State economy in the near
future. It is an important food production sector,
which is contributing to the livelihood as well as
food security to the rural people. It also plays a
vital role in enhanced food production, nutritional
security and employment generation.

58
The main objectives of inland fisheries and
fish culture are:
1. Production and supply of quality fish seed
to fish farmers.
2. Increase the fish seed production and to
fulfill the fish seed demand.
3. Optimum utilization of inland fishery
resources.
4. Geo-spatial mapping of inland water
resources to assess the fishery potential.
5. Expansion of fish farming area.
6. Increase the overall inland fish production
of the State.
7. Enhancing the fish productivity, doubling
the fish production and increase the
income of farmers.
8. Promotion of scientific stocking of fish
seeds in all water bodies to contribute fish
food and nutritional security.
9. Conservation of indigenous fishery
resources, effective management, stock

59
 enhancement and monitoring of prevention
of illegal entry of exotic species.
10. Creation of employment opportunities
to the rural sector through advanced fish
culture practises, hygienic marketing
facilities in the State.
11. To ensure food and nutritional
security and increasing per capita
availability of quality fish.
6.1 Special initiatives in Inland Fisheries

Tamil Nadu has 3.85 lakh ha of inland water

spread area amenable for fisheries development.
However, these water bodies mainly depend on
seasonal rains for receipt of water. Erratic rainfall
associated with mismatch between breeding
season of fishes and water availability for quality
fish seed production, short retention period of
water bodies, non-availability of low cost and
quality feed are the major obstacles for inland fish
production of Tamil Nadu.

60
 In order to overcome the above obstacles,
the following initiatives have been taken up by the
Government.
1. Promotion of intensive cage culture in
irrigation tanks and reservoirs on cluster
basis to increase the inland fish production
and fish seed rearing in fixed cages to
increase quality fish seed availability.
2. Scientific stocking of fish seed in potential
water bodies owned by various Departments
for effective utilization and increase the fish
production.
3. Popularization of intensive fish culture
technologies among the farmers by
providing subsidy and enhancing their
income through skill development trainings.
4. Promotion of eco-friendly aquaculture
practices through integrated fish culture
with agriculture, horticulture & livestock to
provide additional income to the farmers.
5. Introduction of diversified fish species and
promotion of fast growing fish culture viz.,
Amur Carp, Jayanthi Rohu and Genetically

61
 Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT).
6. Creation of employment opportunities to the
rural people by promoting fish seed rearing
and fish culture on cluster basis.
7. A fish feed mill unit owned by the
Department has been operated successfully
in Thanjavur District and supplying quality
fish feed to the Government fish farms and
private farmers.
8. Pure-line brood stock facilities in
Mettur Dam and Bhavanisagar Government
fish farms have been established for
improving the quality of fish seed produced
and reared in Government fish farms.
9. Promotion of Biofloc fish culture as an
intensive fish culture technology to enhance
the unit productivity and sustainable
aquaculture practices with higher profit.
10.Promotion of Re-circulatory Aquaculture
System (RAS) by adopting minimal usage of
water for intensive fish culture by providing
subsidy assistance to fish farmers

62
6.2 District Fish Farmers Development
Agencies (DFFDA)
The Government of Tamil Nadu has formed
District Fish Farmers Development Agencies
(DFFDA) in 38 Districts except Chennai, to
popularize fish culture, channelize subsidies to the
fish farmers and to generate employment
opportunities in rural areas. These DFFDA are
functioning under the Chairmanship of the
respective District Collectors.

The main activities of DFFDA are encouraging

farmers to take up fish culture, providing
technical guidance and by extending subsidy
assistance, imparting training on advanced fish
culture practices. Registration of fish seed
hatcheries, nurseries and grow out fish culture
farms are being carried out by the DFFDA to
regularize the inland fisheries sector taking on fish
culture practices under various Government
schemes.

63
6.3 Reservoir Fisheries Management

In Tamil Nadu, there are 62 reservoirs are

under the control of the Department of Fisheries
and Fishermen welfare. Among these,
54 reservoirs are under the control of Department
of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare and
8 reservoirs are under the control of Tamil Nadu
Fisheries Development Corporation Limited
(TNFDC). The Reservoir fisheries management is
carried out to augment the inland fish production
in
Tamil Nadu.
1) The main objective of Reservoir fisheries
management is to enhance the fish
production and revenue of the inland fishers
who depend on these reservoirs for their
livelihood.

2) Reservoir fisheries is managed by leasing of

fishery rights through ‘Tender cum Auction’
method, licensing and share fishing
methods.

64
 3) During the year 2021-2022, 39 reservoirs
are under lease and Rs.9.68 crore revenue
has been realized.
4) The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare has identified and also taken special
initiative to bring in potential reservoirs for
fishery management.

6.4 Government Fish Seed Production

Centres
In Tamil Nadu, 11 Government owned fish
seed production centres are operating
successfully. The details of Government fish seed
production centres are given below:-
Table: 5
Government Fish farm - Seed Production 2022-23
Sl. District Government Early Fry
No fish seed production
production (in lakh)
centres
1 Tirunelveli Manimuthar 1,495.00
2 Thanjavur Karanthai & 727.00
Thatankulam
3 Tiruvarur Nallikkottai 50.50
4 Karur Thirukampuliyur 367.00
5 Erode Bhavanisagar 1,920.00
6 Salem Mettur Dam 1,872.00

65
 Sl. District Government Early Fry
No fish seed production
production (in lakh)
centres
7 Krishnagiri Krishnagiri 60.00
(GIFT)
8 Tiruvallur Poondi 276.80
9 Theni Manjalar (GIFT) 4.12
10 Thiruvannamalai Sathanur* 122.50
Total 6,894.92
* TNFDC

The Government has taken various measures

to strengthen the infrastructure facilities in the
Government fish farms every year. During the
year 2022-23, the Department of Fisheries and
Fishermen welfare has produced 68.90 crore early
fry and supplied. Further, the Government is also
encouraging private farmers to establish fish seed
hatcheries by providing subsidy assistance.

Considering the limited water availability in

the State, the Government has taken steps for
promotion of fast growing fish varieties in short
seasonal water bodies of Tamil Nadu and
established Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia
(GIFT) hatchery in Government fish farm,

66
Krishnagiri, with a capacity to produce 25 Lakh
GIFT seeds every year, which are being supplied
to the farmers of Tamil Nadu as well as to
neighbouring States. In order to meet out the
growing demand of GIFT seeds in Tamil Nadu
especially in the southern Districts, another
Government GIFT hatchery at Manjalar Dam at
Theni District has been established with a
production capacity of 15 lakh GIFT seeds/ year
under World Bank funded TN-IAM Project.

6.5 Government Fish Seed Rearing

Centres
In Tamil Nadu, 39 Government fish seed
rearing centres are functioning under the control
of Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare
and 5 fish seed rearing centers are functioning
under TNFDC. A total of 8.84 crore quality fish
fingerlings of various fish species have been
reared and supplied so far to various agencies
during the year 2022-23. The seeds supplied were
stocked in reservoirs, irrigation tanks and in fish

67
farms of private farmers leading to increase in
inland fish production of the State. The details of
Government fish seed rearing centres are given
below:-

Table: 6
Government Fish farm-Seed Rearing
2022-23
Seed
Sl. Fish seed rearing
District Rearing
No. centres
(in lakhs)
Pechiparai, 13.96
1 Kanniyakumari Chittar-I,
Chittar -II
Manimuthar, 58.56
2 Tirunelveli
Kuniyur
3 Tenkasi Gadana 20.42
4 Theni Vaigai, Manjalar 49.90
5 Sivagangai Piravalur 15.12
6 Virudhunagar Pilavakkal 13.73
7 Dindigul Anaipatti 28.06
Thattamanaipatti, 13.75
8 Pudukkottai Kurungalur,
Karuvidaicherry
Neithalur, 88.18
Agarapettai,
9 Thanjavur
Karanthai,
Thirumangalakottai

68
 Seed
Sl. Fish seed rearing
District Rearing
No. centres
(in lakhs)
10 Tiruvarur Nallikkottai 9.90
11 Trichy Asoor, Kulithalai 11.94
12 Karur Thirukampuliyur 14.49
13 Erode Bhavanisagar 129.44
Mettur Dam, 113.35
14 Salem
Anaimaduvu
Hogenakkal, 61.06
15 Dharmapuri
Chinnar
Krishnagiri, 127.05
16 Krishnagiri Pambar,
Kelavarapalli
17 Vellore Mordhana 8.67
18 Villupuram Vidur 10.50
19 Cuddalore Lalpet, Agaram 29.62
20 Tiruvallur Poondi 23.15
21 Kancheepuram Chembarampakkam 4.12
22 Chengalpattu Athur 15.13
Total (A) 860.10
Fish seed rearing farms under TNFDC
23 Dindigul PalarPorandalar 1.05
Amaravathy, 5.83
24 Tirupur
Thirumurthy
25 Coimbatore Aliyar 11.10
26 Tiruvannamalai Sathanur 6.15
Total (B) 24.13
Grand Total (A+B) 884.23

69
 The Government is encouraging private
farmers to establish fish seed rearing centres by
providing subsidy assistance. To ensure the
availability of fish seeds for stocking in irrigational
tanks on receipt of water during North East
Monsoon, fish seed rearing in cages also
promoted by the Government.

6.6 Protection of native fish species

The Government has committed to protect

the native fish species of the State through
ranching of fish seed for replenishment and
conserving the native fish species germplasm. The
native species of the State are often having high
demand as they are considered as local delicacies
and also has immense health benefits.

In order to address the huge demand for

native fish species such as Pearl spot, Calbasu
and Cauvery carp and to make availability of
protein rich food to the rural mass, the
Government has taken earnest efforts for

70
establishment of native fish species hatcheries in
3 Districts viz., Salem, Thanjavur and Cuddalore
at a total cost of Rs 4.40 crore. With regard to
establishment of native fish hatcheries viz., Pearl
spot hatchery at Parangipettai in Cuddalore
District at a cost Rs.2.45 crore, Calbasu hatchery
at Agarapettai in Thanjavur District at a cost
Rs. 1.64 crore and Cauvery carp hatchery at
Mettur in Salem District at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh,
tenders floated and received bids are under
scrutiny. Upon establishment of native fish
hatcheries, awareness programmes and training
will be conducted among the fishers for
conservation of native fish stock and also to
increase the fish production. The fish seed
produced in the native fish species hatcheries will
also be supplied to the fish farmers for promotion
of culture of native fish species in the State, to
ensure availability of delicious fish throughout the
State. This will surely fetch higher returns to the
farmers.

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6.7 River Ranching programme

River Ranching of native fish species in

rivers paves way for restoration of fishery wealth
in Tamil Nadu by replenishing the wild stock.
Conservation and Restoration of native fishery
wealth will also uplift the socio economic status of
the inland fisherfolk who are living adjacent to
inland water bodies. In Tamil Nadu, river ranching
programme has been carried out at a cost of
Rs. 1.24 crore. Through this programme, 40 lakh
advanced fingerlings have been stocked in
Cauvery, Bhavani and Thamirabharani rivers and
its tributaries. The native fish species
restoration programme in the State includes
breeding of native fish species in captivity, rearing
and ranching in the natural water bodies to
ensure increased fish production.

72
6.8 National Agricultural Development
Programme (NADP) 2021-22
6.8.1 Promotion of Poly culture of Indian
Major Carps and Scampi in Farm Ponds
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 25.25 lakh under NADP during the year
2021-22 for renovation of farm ponds and inputs
for fish culture have been completed and subsidy
has been released to the beneficiaries.

6.8.2 Improving the water retention

efficiency through High-density Poly
ethylene (HDPE) lining for fish
culture in farm ponds
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 75.75 lakh under NADP for the year 2021-22
for “Improving the water retention efficiency
through HDPE lining for fish culture in farm
ponds” by the beneficiaries, works are completed
and subsidy has been released to the
beneficiaries.

73
6.8.3 Provision of Input assistance for
Murrel Fish culture
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 30.30 lakh under NADP for the year 2021-22
for “Provision of Input assistance for Murrel Fish
culture” to the farmers, scheme was completed
and subsidy has been released to the
beneficiaries.

6.8.4 Establishment of Government GIFT

Seed Rearing centre at Barur in
Krishnagiri District
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Establishment of Government GIFT Seed
Rearing centre at Barur in Krishnagiri District”
under NADP for the year 2021-22 at a cost of
Rs.4.50 crore and the works are nearing
completion.

6.8.5 Renovation of Anaimaduvu

Government fish farm in Salem
District
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Renovation of Anaimaduvu Government fish

74
farm in Salem District” under NADP for the year
2021-22 at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh and the works
have been completed.

6.8.6 Improvement works in Chittar-II

Government fish farm in
Kanniyakumari District
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Improvement works in Chittar-II Government
fish farm in Kanniyakumari District” under NADP
for the year 2021-22 at a cost of Rs. 32.00 lakh
and the works have been completed.

6.8.7 Improvement of Government fish farm

at Pechiparai Dam in Kanniyakumari
District
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Improvement of Government fish farm at
Pechiparai Dam in Kanniyakumari District” under
NADP for the year 2021-2022 at a cost of
Rs. 20.00 lakh and the works have been
completed.

75
6.8.8 Establishment of Fish Brood Bank
under PMMSY
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Establishment of Fish Brood Bank in Lalpet,
Cuddalore District and Ramanathi, Tenkasi
District” under PMMSY 2020-21 at a total cost of
Rs.10 crore. The works have been completed

6.8.9 Integrated Reservoir Fisheries

Development
The Government has sanctioned a project
on “Integrated Reservoir Fisheries Development”
in 5 reservoirs viz., Mettur Dam, Bhavanisager,
Sathanoor, Krishnagiri and Chittar under PMMSY
2020-21 at a total cost of Rs. 11.08 crore and
works are in progress.

6.8.10 Establishment of New Freshwater

Finfish Hatcheries
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 25 lakh as subsidy to the beneficiaries under
PMMSY 2020-21 for “Establishment of New
Freshwater Finfish Hatcheries” 2 Nos. In which,

76
work has been completed in Thanjavur District
and work is in progress in Tiruvarur District.

6.8.11 Construction of New Seed Rearing

Ponds and Inputs for culture
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 32.20 lakh as subsidy to the beneficiaries
under PMMSY 2020-21 for “Construction of New
fish seed Rearing Ponds and Inputs for culture” in
10 ha and the works are in progress.

6.8.12 Construction of New Grow out Fish

Ponds
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 3.22 crore as subsidy to the beneficiaries
under PMMSY 2020-21 for “Construction of New
Grow out Fish Ponds” in 100 ha subsidy is being
released to the beneficiaries.

6.8.13 Inputs subsidy for fresh water

aquaculture
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 1.84 crore as subsidy to the beneficiaries
under PMMSY 2020-21 for “Inputs subsidy for

77
fresh water aquaculture” in 100 ha subsidy is
being released to the beneficiaries.

6.8.14 Construction of Bio-floc ponds

(Medium) for freshwater areas
including inputs
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 98 lakh as subsidy to the beneficiaries under
PMMSY 2020-21 for “Construction of Bio-floc
ponds (Medium) for freshwater areas including
inputs”. Totally 15 units are being established
under the scheme. Subsidy is being released to
the beneficiaries.

6.8.15 Establishment of Re-circulatory

Aquaculture System (RAS) for
fresh water fish culture
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 69 lakh as subsidy to the beneficiaries under
PMMSY 2020-21 for “Establishment of
Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) for fresh
water fish culture”. Totally 20 units are being
established under the scheme. Subsidy is being
released to the beneficiaries.

78
6.8.16 Establishment of Small Biofloc fish
culture system
The Government has sanctioned a sum of
Rs. 34.50 lakh as subsidy to the beneficiaries
under PMMSY 2020-21, for “Establishment of
Small Biofloc fish culture system”. Totally 10 units
are being established under the scheme. Subsidy
is being released to the beneficiaries.

6.9 Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

(PMMSY) 2021-22
The Government of India has accorded
Administrative sanction for the Inland fisheries
development schemes under the funding
assistance of PMMSY for the year 2021-2022. The
Works are in progress.

79
 Table: 7

Total
project
Sl. No. of cost
Activities
No. units
(Rs. in
lakh)
1. Establishment of New
8 Units 200.00
Freshwater Finfish Hatcheries
2. Construction of New Fish
Rearing ponds (Nursery /Seed 40 ha 280.00
Rearing)
3. Construction of New Grow-out
85 ha 595.00
fish culture ponds
4. Inputs for fresh water
85 ha 340.00
Aquaculture
5. Establishment of Bio-floc fish 100
750.00
culture system nos
6. River Ranching of native fish 40
species in Tamil Nadu lakh 124.00
AFL*
Total 2289.00
*AFL- Advanced Fingerlings

6.10 Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada

Yojana (PMMSY) 2022-23
The Government of India has accorded
Administrative sanction for the Inland fisheries
development schemes under the funding
assistance of PMMSY for the year 2022-2023.

80
 Table: 8

Total project
Sl. No. of
Activities cost (Rs in
No units
lakh)
1. Construction of New
Grow-out fish culture 10 ha 70.00
ponds
2. Inputs for fresh water
10 ha 40.00
Aquaculture
Total 110.00

6.11. Input assistance for fish culture in

multi-purpose farm ponds under State
fund 2022-23
To provide support to the farmers to take
up fish culture, the Government is implementing a
scheme on “Input assistance to the farmers for
promotion of fish culture in multi-purpose farm
ponds” at a total cost of Rs.1 crore. Subsidy
assistance is being provided to the farmers for the
purchase of fish seed, feed and fertilizers to cover
totally 550 farm ponds during this year to
increase the inland fish production and to improve
the revenue of small and marginal farmers of the
State.

81
6.12 Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture
Modernisation Project (TN-IAMP)

The World Bank funded project on Tamil

Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project
(TN-IAMP) is being implemented since 2018-19 in
66 sub-basins of Tamil Nadu. The main fisheries
interventions implemented are fish culture in long
and short seasonal irrigational tanks, aquaculture
in farm ponds and earthen fish seed rearing and
culture farms mainly to increase the fish
production from available water resources by
adopting the technology of fast growing and high
value fish species thereby doubling the farmers
income.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has
sanctioned a sum of Rs.39.50 crore to implement
the project effectively, in a phased manner.

During the year 2018-19 to 2021-22, an

expenditure to the tune of Rs.30.76 crore was
incurred for developing pure-line brood stock and
maintenance centre at Bhavanisagar and
Mettur Dam Government fish farms for the supply

82
of quality fish breeders to the farmers,
establishment of fast growing GIF Tilapia hatchery
at Manjalar Dam, renovation of Government fish
seed farms at Lalpet and Agaram in Cuddalore
District mainly to enhance quality fingerlings
supply of the State.

In order to increase the inland fish

production of the State, 26,396 ha of seasonal
irrigational tanks were stocked with fish
fingerlings and 1027 nos. of farm ponds were
brought under aquaculture activities. Also 85 nos.
of earthen fish seed rearing cum culture farms
were created to increase the revenue of
agriculture farmers. In addition to this, 100 nos.
of fish seed rearing in cages and 15 nos. of grow-
out fish culture in floating cages were established.
Further, to improve the fishing efficiency of inland
fishermen, 495 nos. of fishing implements were
supplied to the inland fishermen of the State.

To improve the fish marketing channel,

18 nos. of modern fish kiosks have been
established in the sub-basin areas.

83
 During the year 2022-23, the following
fisheries activities are being implemented to the
tune of Rs.6.43 crore.

Table: 9

TN-IAM PROJECT- 2022-23

Sl. Units
Activities
No (Nos)

Direct stocking of fish seeds in

1 743 ha
long and short seasonal tanks
2 Aquaculture in farm ponds 231
3 Supply of Fishing implements 20
Earthen fish seed rearing and
4 3
culture farms
Establishment of Modern Fish
5 6
Kiosks
Establishment of Government
6 Fish Seed Rearing centre at 1
Nagapattinam
7 Fish Culture in Modular Tanks 40
8 Model Village Activities 11

84
6.13 Ornamental Fish Culture

Tamil Nadu is the second largest exporter of

ornamental fish in the country. To promote
ornamental fish culture and to generate
employment, a pilot project on “Development of
Ornamental Fisheries in Tamil Nadu” has been
taken up in the State with a total project outlay of
Rs.4.70 crore with an eligible subsidy of
Rs.2.25 crore comprising of Central share of
Rs.1.50 crore and State share of Rs.0.75 crore.
Various components of this project are
construction/ renovation of backyard ornamental
fish rearing units, medium-scale ornamental fish
rearing units, integrated ornamental fish units,
aquatic plant production units, establishment of
aquarium fabrication cum retail units,
establishment of aquarium tanks for hobby
development in schools and colleges and capacity
building training to the ornamental fish
entrepreneurs.

85
 Further, under the centrally sponsored
beneficiary oriented component of Pradhan Mantri
Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the
Government have sanctioned an amount of
Rs.13.85 crore towards construction of Backyard,
Medium Scale and Integrated Ornamental Fish
unit in Tamil Nadu and the schemes are under
implementation.

In order to increase the ornamental fish

production and trade in the State, Government
have announced to set up an “Ornamental Fish
Trade centre” at Kolathur, Chennai at a total cost
estimate of Rs. 50 crore. Suitable site for an
extent of 3.94 acres in Villivakkam, Aminjikarai
Taluk belonging to Arulmigu Agastheeswarar
temple and an extent of 4,785 sq ft. at Peravallur
Village, Ayanavaram Taluk belonging to Arulmigu
Selliamman Temple have been identified for
establishment of ornamental fish trade centre and
administrative office respectively. Preliminary
works are in progress.

86
7. Development of Fisheries Infrastructure

The Government invests a huge amount

towards implementation of various infrastructure
projects under different funding supports for
improving fish landing points as fish landing
centres, upgrading fish landing centres as fishing
harbours and modernization of existing fishing
harbours/ fish landing centres. These efforts
ensure the safety of fishing boats and fishermen,
hygienic handling of fish, enhancing export
avenues and better price realization for fish catch.
Establishment of fishing harbours create direct
and indirect job opportunities to the fishermen
and general public.

7.1 Construction of New Fishing Harbours

and Development of Existing Fishing
Harbours.
7.1.1 Construction of Tuna Fishing Harbour
at Thiruvottiyurkuppam, Chennai
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.200 crore under

87
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure
Development Fund (FIDF) for construction of Tuna
fishing harbour in Thiruvottiyurkuppam in Chennai
District. The fishing harbour is designed with
Northern breakwater to a length of 510m,
Southern breakwater up to 849m and other
landside facilities for the hygienic handling of
Tuna and Tuna-like fish varieties. The works are
nearing completion.

7.1.2 Establishing Fishing Harbours in

Kaluveli waters at Alambaraikuppam
in Chengalpattu District and
Azhagankuppam in Villupuram
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction of Rs.235 crore for the
construction of fishing harbours in Kaluveli waters
at Alambaraikuppam in Chengalpattu District and
Azhagankuppam in Villupuram District under
FIDF. State level Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
clearance has been obtained. This project is
designed with water side facilities such as training

88
wall 900m, shore protection structure 300m,
diaphragm wall 1,100m, Slipway 2 nos., dredging
& reclamation, revetment 400m and other land
side facilities for hygienic handling of catches. The
preliminary works are in progress.

7.1.3 Renovation of Fishing Harbour at

Mudhunagar in Cuddalore District
Renovation of fishing harbour at
Mudhunagar in Cuddalore District has been
undertaken at a total estimated cost of
Rs.100 crore under FIDF. Renovation work
consists of water side facilities such as 1,040m
diaphragm wall, 600m retaining wall, additional
facilities and other land side facilities for hygienic
handling of fish catch. The works are nearing
completion.

7.1.4 Construction of Fishing Harbour at

Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai
District
A fishing harbour at Tharangambadi,
Mayiladuthurai District is being established at a

89
total estimated cost of Rs.120 crore, for which the
Government have accorded administrative
sanction under FIDF. The harbour has been
designed with a Northern breakwater to a length
of 340m, Southern breakwater to a length of
1,070m and other land side facilities for hygienic
handling of fish catch. The work is nearing
completion.

7.1.5 Upgradation of Pazhayar Fishing

Harbour in Mayiladuthurai District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.26.26 crore under
PMMSY for upgradation of Pazhayar Fishing
Harbour in Mayiladuthurai District. This Fishing
Harbour will be upgraded with construction of
R.C.C Diaphragm wall to a length of 180m,
Retaining Wall to a length of 80m, ice plant of
30MT capacity and other landside facilities.
Preliminary works are in progress.

90
7.1.6 Construction of Fishing Harbour at
Vellapallam, Nagapattinam District
A fishing harbour with modern facilities is
being established at an estimated cost of
Rs.100 crore at Vellapallam, Nagapattinam
District for which the Government have accorded
administrative sanction under FIDF. This fishing
harbour has been designed with Northern
breakwater to a length of 1,080m and Southern
breakwater to a length of 1,300m and 240m
length diaphragm wall and other land side
facilities for hygienic handling of fish catch. The
work is in progress and 33% of the works have
been completed.

7.1.7 Construction of Fishing Harbour at

Arcottuthurai in Nagapattinam
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for the construction of
fishing harbour at Arcottuthurai in Nagapattinam
District at an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crore
under FIDF. This project is designed with Northern

91
breakwater of 1,650m, Southern breakwater of
2,000m and piled Jetty of 340m, dredging and
reclamation and other land side facilities. The
work is in progress and 62% of the works have
been completed.

7.1.8 Development of Cold Chain and

Infrastructure Facilities in Mookaiyur
Fishing Harbour, Ramanathapuram
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.20 crore under
FIDF for the development of forward-backward
linkages, cold chain facilities and export
infrastructure in Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour in
Ramanathapuram District. The work is in progress
and 25% of the works have been completed.

7.1.9 Providing additional Berthing

facilities in Thoothukudi Fishing
Harbour
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.25 crore under
FIDF for providing additional berthing facilities in

92
existing wharf at Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour.
The work is in progress and 74% of the works
have been completed.

7.1.10 Expansion and Modernization of

Thengapattinam Fishing Harbour in
Kanniyakumari District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for an amount of
Rs.253 crore under FIDF and NABARD RIDF for
“Expansion and Modernization of Thengapattinam
Fishing Harbour in Kanniyakumari District”. This
project is designed with extension of main
breakwater for a length of 637m as per the
recommendations of Central Water and Power
Research Station (CWPRS), Pune and
establishment of landside facilities. The work is in
progress and 21% of the works have been
completed.

93
7.1.11 Conducting Studies to establish new
Fishing Harbours at Pulicat, Uvari,
Rameswaram and Vaniyakudi and
new mini fishing harbour at
Samanthanpettai
The Government have accorded
administrative approval for a total sum of
Rs.4 crore for conducting feasibility studies to
establish fishing harbours at Pulicat in Tiruvallur
District (Rs.1 crore), Uvari in Tirunelveli District
(Rs.1 crore), Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram
District (Rs.1 crore), Vaniyakudi in Kanniyakumari
District (Rs.1 crore) and to establish mini fishing
harbour at Samanthanpettai in Nagapattinam
District (Rs.15 lakh) under the State scheme. The
study works are in progress.

7.1.12 Conducting Studies for Expansion and

Modernisation of Fishing Harbours at
Thoothukudi and Colachel
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for a sum of Rs.2 crore for
conducting studies for expansion of fishing
harbours at Thoothukudi (Rs.1 crore) and

94
Colachel in Kanniyakumari District (Rs.1 crore)
under State fund. The study works are in
progress.

7.1.13 Consultancy Services for Conducting

Detailed Surveys and Model Studies
for Preparing Techno-economic
Feasibility Report and Detailed
Project Report for Modernization of
Mallipattinam Fishing Harbour in
Thanjavur District and Extension of
Training wall at Mookaiyur Fishing
Harbour in Ramanathapuram District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.1 crore under State
fund for consultancy services for conducting
Detailed Surveys, Mapping of Existing Structures,
Investigation and Model Studies for preparing
Techno-economic Feasibility Report and Detailed
Project Report for Modernization of Mallipattinam
Fishing Harbour in Thanjavur District
(Rs.50.00 lakh) and Extension of Training wall at
Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour in Ramanathapuram
District (Rs.50.00 lakh). The works will be
commenced shortly.

95
7.2 Construction of New Fish Landing
Centres and Development of Existing
Fish Landing Centres
7.2.1 Providing additional Facilities to Fish
Landing Centres at Annankovil and
Mudasalodai in Cuddalore District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.19.50 crore under
FIDF for providing additional facilities to Fish
Landing Centres at Annankovil and Mudasalodai
villages in Cuddalore District. The works are in
progress and 54% of the works have been
completed.
7.2.2 Construction of Fish Landing Centre
at Thazhankuda in Cuddalore District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction of Rs.13.06 crore for the
construction of fish landing centre at
Thazhankuda in Cuddalore District under
NABARD-RIDF. The works are in progress and
88% works have been completed.

96
7.2.3 Construction of Fish Landing
Centre at Pudhukuppam and
C. Pudhupettai in Cuddalore District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.13 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for construction of fish landing
centre at Pudhukuppam and C. Pudhupettai in
Cuddalore District. Works have been commenced
at Pudhukuppam and 94% of the works have
been completed at C. Pudhupettai.

7.2.4 Construction of Fish Landing Centres

and shore protection works at
Roachmanagar, Thangachimadam in
Ramanathapuram District and
Chinnamedu, Kodiyampalayam in
Mayiladuthurai District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction of Rs.21.62 crore for
construction of fish landing centres and shore
protection works at Roachmanagar and
Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram District and
Chinnamedu and Kodiyampalayam in
Mayiladuthurai District under NABARD-RIDF.

97
 92% of work at Thangachimadam, 64% of
work at Chinnamedu, Kodiyampalayam fish
landing centres have been completed and the
works are in progress.

7.2.5 Development of Fish Landing Centres

at Thirumullaivasal in Mayiladuthurai
District , Sethubavachatram in
Thanjavur District, Sippikulam,
Therespuram and Keelavaippar in
Thoothukudi Districts
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.66 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the development of fish landing
centres at Thirumullaivasal in Mayiladuthurai
District, Sethubavachatram in Thanjavur District,
Sippikulam, Therespuram and Keelavaippar in
Thoothukudi District. All works are in progress
and 22% of work at Sippikulam, 37% of work at
Keelavaippar, 11% of work at Thirumullaivasal
and 82% of work at Sethubavachatram have been
completed. Preliminary works have been
commenced at Therespuram.

98
7.2.6 Improvements to Vanagiri Fish
Landing Centre in Mayiladuthurai
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.55 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the improvements to Vanagiri
Fish Landing Centre in Mayiladuthurai District.
This fish landing centre is being upgraded with
construction of training wall of 245m length
(2 nos.), construction of short groynes of length
50m (2 nos.), construction of wharf and
diaphragm wall–580m and approach road-300m.
Preliminary works are in progress.

7.2.7 Construction of Fish Landing Centre

at Chandrapadi Village in
Nagapattinam District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.10 crore under
FIDF fund for construction of Fish Landing Centre
at Chandrapadi Village in Nagapattinam District.
Preliminary works are in progress.

99
7.2.8 Construction of Fish Landing Centres
(FLC) at Vanagiri in Mayiladuthurai
District, Keelathottam in Thanjavur
District, Vadakkammapattinam,
Pudhukudi and Kottaipattinam in
Pudukottai District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.22 crore under
FIDF for construction of fish landing centres at
Vanagiri in Mayiladuthurai District, Keelathottam
in Thanjavur District, Vadakkammapattinam,
Pudhukudi and Kottaipattinam in Pudukkottai
District. 75% of works at Vanagiri, 79% of works
at Keelathottam, 65% of works in
Vadakkammapattinam, Pudhukudi and
Kottaipattinam FLCs have been completed and the
works are in progress.

7.2.9 Construction of Fish Landing Centres

at Mandapam North and South in
Ramanathapuram District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.20 crore under
FIDF for the construction of fish landing centres at

100
Mandapam North and South in Ramanathapuram
District. The works are in progress and 94% of
the works have been completed.

7.2.10 Construction of Fish Landing

Centre at Keelamunthal in
Ramanathapuram District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.10 crore under
FIDF for the construction of fish landing centre at
Keelamunthal in Ramanathapuram District. The
works are in progress and 85% of the works have
been completed.

7.2.11 Providing Infrastructure Facilities for

fish landing centre at Mullimunai,
Ramanathapuram District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction of Rs.1.69 crore for
providing infrastructure facilities at Mullimunai in
Ramanathapuram District. 70% of the works have
been completed and works are in progress.

101
7.2.12 Providing Landside Facilities to the
Fish Landing Centre at Kunthukal in
Ramanathapuram District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.4 crore under
Sagarmala funds for providing Landside Facilities
at Kunthukal Fish Landing Centre in
Ramanathapuram District. The works will be
commenced shortly.

7.2.13 Renovation of Boat Jetties at

Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram
District Fish Landing Centre
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.22.77 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the improvements and
renovation of the boat jetties at Rameswaram in
Ramanathapuram District. This project is
designed with construction of approach jetty of
200m length and landing jetty of 150m length.
The works are in progress and 28% works have
been completed.

102
7.2.14 Construction of Fish Landing Centres
at Jeeva Nagar, Amali Nagar,
Alanthalai and Fishermen Colony
(Near Thermal-II) in Thoothukudi
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.7 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the construction of fish landing
centre at Jeeva Nagar, Amali Nagar, Alanthalai
and Fishermen Colony (Near Thermal - II) in
Thoothukudi District. All the works are in progress
and 38% of work at Amali Nagar,
54% of work at Alanthalai and 76% of work at
Fishermen Colony in Thoothukudi District have
been completed.

7.2.15 Construction of Fish Landing Centres

at Aruvikarai, Tirunelveli District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.10 crore under
FIDF for construction of fish landing centre at
Aruvikarai village in Tirunelveli District.
Preliminary works are in progress.

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7.2.16 Improvements to the Fish Landing
Centres at Kodimunai, Simon colony
and Kurumpanai in Kanniyakumari
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.100 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for improvements to the fish
landing centres at Kodimunai, Simon colony and
Kurumpanai in Kanniyakumari District. These
projects are designed mainly with construction of
two short groynes of length 160m and 116m at
Kodimunai, two short groynes of length 163m and
100m at Simon colony and short groynes of
length 100m at Kurumpanai. All works are in
progress and 29% of work at Kodimunai FLC,
31% of work at Simon colony FLC and 88% of
work at Kurumpanai FLC have been completed.

7.3 Permanent Stability of Barmouth and

Shore Protection Works.
7.3.1 Permanent Stability of Barmouth at
Pulicat (Pazhaverkadu) in Tiruvallur
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction of Rs.26.85 crore for the

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permanent stability of barmouth at Pulicat in
Tiruvallur District under NABARD-RIDF. Statutory
clearance and Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) clearances were obtained. Works
will be commenced shortly.

7.3.2 Construction of Fish Landing Centre

and Shore Protection Works at
Kadalore Periyakuppam, Kadalore
Chinnakuppam, Kokilamedu and
Alikuppam in Chengalpattu District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.39 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the construction of fish landing
centres and shore protection works at Kadalore
Periyakuppam, Kadalore Chinnakuppam,
Kokilamedu and Alikuppam in Chengalpattu
District. All these works have been commenced.

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7.3.3 Providing Shore Protection Works and
Construction of Fish Landing Centres
at Pazhaya Nadukuppam, Pudhu
Nadukuppam, Karikattukuppam
Chemmencherrykuppam and
Angalammankuppam in Chengalpattu
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.57 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for providing shore protection
works and construction of fish landing centres at
Pazhaya Nadukuppam, Pudhu Nadukuppam,
Karikattukuppam, Chemmencherrykuppam and
Angalammankuppam in Chengalpattu District. All
these works have been commenced.
7.3.4 Construction of Fish Landing Centre
and Shore Protection Works at
Pudhukalpakkam in Chengalpattu
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.9.70 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for construction of fish landing
centre and shore protection works at
Pudhukalpakkam in Chengalpattu District. All the
works have been commenced.

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7.3.5 Construction of Fish Landing Centre
and Shore Protection Works at
Pillaichavadi in Villupuram District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.14.50 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the construction of fish landing
centre and shore protection works at Pillaichavadi
in Villupuram District. The works are in progress
and 25% works have been completed.

7.3.6 Construction of Fish Landing Centres

and Shore Protection Works at
Periyakuppam in Cuddalore District,
Ekkiyarkuppam and Anumanthai in
Villupuram District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.22 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the construction of fish landing
centres and shore protection works at
Periyakuppam in Cuddalore District and
Ekkiyarkuppam, Anumanthai in Villupuram
District. All these works have been commenced.

107
7.3.7 Providing Permanent Stability of
Vellar barmouth and Chinnavaikal
Barmouth at Killai in Cuddalore
District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.70 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for providing permanent stability of
Vellar barmouth and Chinnavaikal barmouth at
Killai in Cuddalore District. For permanent stability
of barmouth at Vellar, two training walls of length
512m will be constructed. For permanent stability
of barmouth at Chinnavaikal, two training walls of
length 305m will be constructed. All the works are
in progress.

7.3.8 Construction of additional Groynes

for Shore Protection at Nambiyar
Nagar in Nagapattinam District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.10 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for the construction of additional
groynes for shore protection at Nambiyar Nagar
fishing harbour in Nagapattinam District. All the
works are nearing completion.

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7.3.9 Providing Shore Protection Works at
Mandapam North, Ramanathapuram
District

The Government have accorded

administrative sanction for Rs.30 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for providing shore protection
works at Mandapam North in Ramanathapuram
District. This project is designed with construction
of Northern breakwater of 843m length and
construction of fish auction Hall. The works are in
progress and 15% works have been completed.

7.3.10 Providing Shore Protection Works

at Mandapam South in
Ramanathapuram District

The Government have accorded

administrative sanction for Rs.50 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for providing shore protection
works at Mandapam South in Ramanathapuram
District. This project is designed with construction
of Southern breakwater of 1,032m length,
construction of short groynes of length 84m and

109
construction of fish auction hall. The works are in
progress and 10% works have been completed.

7.3.11 Providing Permanent Stability of

Barmouth and Development of Fish
Landing Centre at Manapad,
Thoothukudi District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.45 crore under
NABARD-RIDF for providing permanent stability of
bar mouth and development of fish landing centre
at Manapad in Thoothukudi District. Two training
walls of length 940m (South) and 120m (North)
will be constructed for permanent opening of
barmouth. The works are in progress and 65% of
the works have been completed.

7.3.12 Construction of additional Groynes

for Shore Protection at
Kesavanputhenthurai & Puthenthurai
and Fish Landing Centres at
Keelamanakudy and Melamanakudy
in Kanniyakumari District
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.101 crore under

110
NABARD-RIDF for construction of additional
groynes for shore protection at
Kesavanputhenthurai, Puthenthurai and
construction of fish landing centres at
Keelamanakudy, Melamanakudy in Kanniyakumari
District. All works are in progress and 14% of
work at Kesavanputhenthurai, 26% of work at
Keelamanakudy FLC and 92% of work at
Melamanakudy FLC have been completed. In
Puthenthurai works have been commenced.

7.4 Inland Fisheries and Other

Infrastructure works
7.4.1 Establishment of Fish Brood Banks
for Indian Major carps at Lalpet in
Cuddalore District and Ramanadhi
Dam in Tenkasi District.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.10 crore under
PMMSY for establishment of Fish Brood Banks for
Indian Major Carps at Lalpet in Cuddalore District
and Ramanadhi Dam in Tenkasi District. 93% of
work at Lalpet Fish brood bank and 88% of work

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at Ramanadhi fish brood bank are completed and
the works are in progress.

7.4.2 Construction of Integrated Office

Buildings and Training Centres at
Cuddalore and Tiruchirappalli
Districts
The Government have accorded
administrative approval for a sum of
Rs.9 crore for the construction of integrated office
buildings and training centres at Cuddalore and
Tiruchirappalli under FIDF. 85% of the works
completed and the building works in Cuddalore is
nearing completion.

7.4.3 Construction of Fish Landing Centres

and Modern Fish Kiosks in Five
Reservoirs in Tamil Nadu
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.2.50 crore under
PMMSY for construction of Fish Landing Centre
and Modern Fish Kiosks in Five Reservoirs in
Tamil Nadu. The works are in progress.

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 7.4.4 Supply and Installation of Floating
Fish Seed Rearing Cages and Grow
Out Fish Culture Cages in Five
Reservoirs in Tamil Nadu.
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for Rs.4.60 crore under
PMMSY for Supplying and Installation of Floating
Fish Seed Rearing Cages and Grow Out Fish
Culture Cages in Five Reservoirs in Tamil Nadu.
The works are in progress.

7.5 Construction / Renovation of

Government Fish Seed Farms and
Integrated Office Building cum
Training Centre
The Government have accorded
administrative sanction for the construction/
renovation of the following Government Fish Seed
Farms and integrated office building cum training
centres at a total estimated cost of Rs.75.70 crore
under FIDF. The works will be commenced shortly.

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 Table: 10

Project
Sl. Cost
Name of Work
No (Rs in
Crore)
Renovation of Government Fish seed
Farm in Chittar Dam II in
1 4.00
Kanniyakumari District and
Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri District.
Establishment of Training Centre
with Integrated Office Building in
2 8.00
Thoothukudi District and at Mettur
Dam in Salem District.
Establishment of Additional Fish
Seed Rearing Facilities at
3 Vembakottai and at Pilavakkal 7.00
Government fish seed farms in
Virudhunagar District.
Modernization of Government Fish
4 Farm at Vidur in Villupuram District 6.20
and at Asoor in Trichy District.
Establishment of GIFT Seed
Hatchery in Government Fish Farm
5 at Thirumangalakottai in Thanjavur 10.80
District, Barur in Krishnagiri District
and Agaram in Cuddalore District.
Establishment of Public Aquarium
6 cum Ornamental Fish Retail Unit in 5.00
Tirunelveli District.

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 Project
Sl. Cost
Name of Work
No (Rs in
Crore)
Modernization of Government Trout
7 Fish Farm at Avalanche in Nilgiris 2.50
District.
Establishment of Government Fish
Seed Rearing Centre at Kadamba in
8 Thoothukudi District and 10.00
Vadakkenendhal in Kallakurichi
District.
Establishment of Government Fish
9 Seed Hatchery at Andiyapanoor Odai 5.00
Reservoir in Tirupattur District.
Improvement to the Existing Fish
10 Farm at Palar Porandalar Dam in 5.00
Dindigul District.
Modernization of Government Fish
Seed Farm at Nallikottai in Tiruvarur
11 7.20
District and at Thirukkampuliyur in
Karur District.
Establishment of Brooder facilities in
12 government old fish farm at 5.00
Bhavanisagar in Erode District

Total 75.70

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7.6 Fishermen Housing Scheme

Under fishermen housing scheme, the

Government of Tamil Nadu have sanctioned a
sum of Rs.85 crore to construct 5,000 houses to
inland and marine fisherfolk. The unit cost of the
house is Rs.1.70 lakh. Out of the sanctioned
amount, Rs.61.97 crore was released to Rural
Development and Panchayat Raj Department. So
far, construction of 2,879 houses have been
completed and 1,242 houses are under various
stages of construction.

8. Marketing of Fish and Fishery Products

The total fish production of the State was

8.06 lakh MT in 2021-22. The per capita
consumption of fish of the State during the year
2020-21 was 9.3 Kg. In the State, fish
consumption is promoted through modernized and
hygienic fish markets, fish stalls and mobile
vehicles and online marketing. The per capita
consumption of fish of the State is expected to

116
increase by 10.66 Kg vis-à-vis National per capita
fish consumption of 6 Kg.

8.1 Construction of Fish Markets

The Government is taking efforts to construct

new fish markets in various places in order to
ensure hygienic handling of fish and to provide
quality fish and fishery products to the
consumers. The project is being implemented with
the financial assistance from the State
Government, National Fisheries Development
Board (NFDB) and the civic bodies with a total
project cost of Rs.17.54 crore.

An amount of Rs.6.69 crore as State

Government share and Rs.7.19 crore as NFDB
share was released to the concerned civic bodies/
fishermen cooperative societies towards the
construction of following 21 fish markets in the
State.

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 Table:11

Fish Total
Sl. Markets Project cost
District
No. Constructed (Rs. in
/ renovated lakh)
1 Cuddalore 1 22.50
2 Ranipet 1 61.29
3 Pudukkottai 1 53.70
4 Trichy 1 250.00
5 Salem 2 139.30
6 Tiruppur 1 93.00
7 Erode 1 100.00
8 Sivagangai 1 100.00
9 Nagapattinam 4 158.57
10 Tenkasi 1 38.76
11 Thoothukudi 1 13.60
12 Ramanathapuram 3 293.39
13 Kanniyakumari 2 179.47
14 Villupuram 1 250.00
Total 21 1,753.58
Construction of 21 fish markets have been
completed.

8.2 Export of Fish and Fishery Products

Fish and Fishery products is emerging as

one of the largest group in agricultural exports
from India, with 13.69 lakh MT in terms of
quantity and Rs. 57,586.48 crore in value.

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 The State exported 1.14 lakh MT of marine
products and earned a foreign exchange of
Rs.6,559.64 crore during the year 2021-22.
Marine products mainly comprise of frozen
shrimp, frozen finfish, frozen cuttle fish, frozen
squid, dried fish, chilled varieties and live fish.
The major export markets for fishery products are
USA, Japan, European Union, China, South East
Asia and Middle Eastern countries.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is promoting

export of fish and fishery products through
establishment of shore infrastructure facilities and
has an excellent landing and shore infrastructure
in 9 major fishing harbours, 4 medium fishing
harbours and 52 fish landing centres, which
ensure hygienic fish handling and maintaining fish
quality. Chennai and Thoothukudi are the major
export oriented fish processing hubs of the State.

119
9.Training and financial services

9.1 Maritime Education for Fisher Youth

An amount of Rs.12 lakh has been released

to 37 fisher youth to study maritime education
during the year 2022-2023 for improving the
skills and creating employment opportunities to
the fisher youth in Tamil Nadu. Under this
scheme, financial assistance of Rs.50,000/- per
student is being provided to the children of
fishermen families for studying 6 specific courses
notified by the Government in Maritime Education.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 also.

9.2 All India Civil Service Special

Coaching to Fisher Youth
The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare is providing six months special coaching
to 20 fisher youth every year to enable them to
excel in competitive exams for joining in the
Indian Civil Services since 2017. The training is

120
being given by Anna Administrative Staff College
(All India Civil Service Coaching Centre). So far,
five batches of trainings have been completed and
102 fisher folk students have got benefitted at an
expenditure of Rs.12.50 lakh. The training
expenditure is met from the fund of the
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation.
18 Fisher youth are being trained during 2022-23.

This scheme will be continued in the year

2023-24 also.

9.3 Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to Fishers

and Fish Farmers
To meet out the working capital
requirements of fishers and fish farmers, the
Union Government has extended the Kisan Credit
Card (KCC) facility to fisheries sector and the
scheme is being implemented in the State.

The KCC facility will help the fishers and

fish farmers to meet their short-term credit
requirements for fishing activities, fish culture,

121
shrimp culture, seaweed culture, bivalve farming
and capture of fish, etc. Under KCC facility, the
eligible fishers/ fish farmers have the credit limit
of Rs.2.00 lakh to meet their working capital
requirements for fisheries activities.

Interest subvention is available at 2% per

annum at the time of disbursal of loan and
additional interest subvention of 3% per annum in
case of prompt repayment as Prompt Repayment
Incentive. So far, 4,712 KCCs have been issued to
fishers/ fish farmers for a loan value of
Rs.35.88 crore.

10. Extension and other activities

The Extension wing of the Department

disseminates the welfare schemes of the
Government to the fishers, fish farmers and
fisheries stakeholders and general public. The
Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department
participates in various exhibitions, trade fairs and
showcase various activities/ schemes being

122
implemented by the Department. Awareness
campaign to the stakeholders on sustainable
fishery resource management, sea safety
measures, hygienic handling of fish, cleanliness
and hygienic practices in fishing harbours and fish
landing centres are being organized regularly. To
address the grievances of fishermen/ fish farmers,
fishermen grievance day and fish farmers
meetings are being organized by the Department.
Annual days like World Ocean Day (8th June),
National Fish Farmers Day (10th July) and World
Fisheries day (21st November) are being
celebrated throughout the State by conducting
various competitions for school/ college students,
awareness rallies and medical camps for fishers/
fish farmers. On these occasions, awards under
various categories are being given to the best
performing fishers/ fish farmers in order to
recognize and appreciate their contribution to
fisheries sector.

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 On the occasion of ‘World Fisheries
Day 2022’ celebrations, 9 awards have been
presented to fishermen and fish farmers under
various categories.

10.1 Tamil Nadu Marine Fisherfolk Census

The last Decennial census exclusively for

Tamil Nadu Marine fisher folk was conducted by
the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare during the year 2010.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is presently

in the process of creating household database for
the entire State. The household data pertaining to
fisheries sector can be obtained from this
database for formulating policies and welfare
schemes for the betterment of fishers.

10.2 Study on Socio-Economic Status of

Fisher folk in Tamil Nadu
For the improvement of the socio-economic
conditions of fisherfolk the Government is
implementing various schemes and developing

124
infrastructure facilities all over Tamil Nadu. The
Government have sanctioned an amount of
Rs.50 lakh to study the improvement in the living
standards of fisher folk that have been achieved
through various schemes, to assess the impact of
various schemes on the socio-economic status of
fisher folk and also to study the areas for further
intervention. The study will support the
Government in planning, making policy decisions,
devising appropriate schemes, providing
infrastructure facilities, skill development and
frame a road map for the fisheries sector of
Tamil Nadu.

11. Fisheries Co-operative Societies

The Fisheries Co-operative Societies play

a pivotal role in the upliftment of fishermen and
fisherwomen in the State. The Department is
executing various welfare schemes to fishermen /
fisherwomen through Fisheries Co-operative
Societies.

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 About 7.52 lakh fishermen / fisherwomen
have been enrolled in 1,457 Primary Fishermen /
Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies, 12 District
Co-operative Federations and 1 State Apex Co-
operative Federation. Fishermen Co-operative
societies are operating, 62 full time and 12 part
time fair price shops.

The details of fisheries cooperative societies

are given in the table 12.

Table: 12

Members of Fisheries Co-operative Societies

Society No. of Members

Societies enrolled
Primary Co-operative Societies
Marine Fishermen 576 3,66,846
Co-operative Societies
Marine Fisherwomen 476 2,94,116
Co-operative Societies
Inland Fishermen 330 82,677
Co-operative Societies
Inland Fisherwomen 75 7,990
Co-operative Societies
Total number of societies and
members enrolled 1,457 7,51,629

126
 Society No. of Members
Societies enrolled
District Fishermen 12 998
Co-operative Federation
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries 1 834
Co-operative Federation
Total 1,470 7,53,461

12. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

(SDG)
To achieve a sustainable future by 2030,
United Nations has framed 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) to combat poverty,
inequality and environmental degradation.
Fisheries and aquaculture offer ample
opportunities to alleviate poverty, hunger and
malnutrition, generate economic growth and
ensure better use of natural resources.

The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen

Welfare contributes towards ‘Responsible
Consumption and Production (Goal-12)’ with one
indicator and ‘Life below Water (Goal-14)’ with
three indicators. The Department has taken steps

127
to achieve Goal-12 by increasing the fish
production of the State through various schemes.
The fish production of the State has increased
from 7.23 lakh MT during 2020-21 to
8.06 lakh MT during 2021-22. The per capita fish
consumption of the State has also increased from
9.3 kg during 2020-21 and is expected to increase
to 10.66 Kg during 2021-22. To achieve Goal-14,
the Department is taking various measures to
enhance marine fish production through
deployment of artificial reefs, ranching of fish
seeds, mariculture activities, capacity building to
fisherfolk and enforcing Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing
Regulation Act, 1983 for attaining sustainable
fishing practices.

To achieve Goal-14, the Government has

deployed artificial reefs at 90 places at a total cost
of Rs. 28.50 crore under various schemes. There
has been an increase in marine fish production of
the State during subsequent years of installation

128
of artificial reefs. Steps are also being taken for
installation of 217 units of artificial reefs at a cost
of Rs.79.00 crore in the 3 Palk Bay Districts and
200 units at a cost of Rs. 64 crore in other
Districts. Due to positive impacts of installation of
artificial reefs, fishermen are requesting for the
installation of more number of artificial reefs
along the coast of Tamil Nadu.

SDG Unit has been formed to work in

co-ordination with field level officers and SDG
data are periodically updated in the dashboard.
Growth rate of fish production has been included
as an Indicator for ranking in District Good
Governance Index (DGGI).

13. TAMIL NADU FISHERMEN WELFARE

BOARD (TNFWB)
To provide social security and to ensure well
being of fishermen and labourers engaged in
fishing and allied activities, Tamil Nadu Fishermen
Welfare Board (TNFWB) was established in 2007.

129
 TNFWB is headed by the Hon’ble Minister for
Fisheries- Fishermen and Animal Husbandry as
President and the Commissioner, Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare as Member Secretary having
official and Non-official members. About 4.99 lakh
members have been enrolled in TNFWB.

TNFWB is functioning from the contribution

funds collected from various sources such as
member contribution of Rs.20/- per member for
every year, at the rate of 10 paise per litre of
diesel sold by the Tamil Nadu Fisheries
Development Corporation (TNFDC) and Tamil
Nadu State Apex Fisheries Co-operative
Federation Limited (TAFCOFED) diesel bunks, at
the rate of 20 paise per litre of tax free diesel
purchased by the mechanized fishing boat owners
from TNFDC and TAFCOFED diesel bunks, 7% of
fishing lease amount from water bodies and
Rs.2/- for every Kilogram of fish sold by
Mettur Dam fishermen co-operative marketing

130
society. A sum of Rs.5.34 crore has been collected
as contribution fund during 2022-23.

The schemes being implemented by TNFWB

are detailed in the Table 13.

Table: 13
List of Schemes in TNFWB
Sl. Details of Relief /
No. Assistance Amount in Rs.
1 Educational Assistance Day Scholar Hosteller
to Sons and Daughters
of the Members Boys Girls Boys Girls
a) Pass in 10th Std 1,250 1,500 - -
b) Pass in 12th Std 1,750 2,000 - -
c) ITI and
Polytechnic 1,250 1,750 1,450 1,950
(per year)
d) Bachelor Degree
1,750 2,250 2,000 2,500
(per year)
e) Post Graduate
Degree 2,250 2,750 3,250 3,750
(per year)
f) Under Graduate
Professional Courses
(Fisheries science,
Agriculture,
Veterinary Science, 2,250 2,750 4,250 4,750
Law, Engineering,
Medicine, etc.)
(per year)
g) Post Graduate
Professional Courses 4,250 4,750 6,250 6,750
(per year)

131
Sl. Details of Relief / Amount in Rs.
No. Assistance
2 Marriage Assistance Male Female
a) Marriage of Member 3,000 5,000
b) Marriage of Son/ Daughter of the 3,000
member 5,000
3 Delivery or Miscarriage of Pregnancy or Termination of
Pregnancy
a) Delivery @ Rs.1,000/- per month for 6
months 6,000
b) Miscarriage 3,000
c) Termination 3,000
4 Accident Relief
a) Death due to Accident 2,00,000
b) Loss of both hands 1,00,000
c) Loss of both legs 1,00,000
d) Loss of one hand and one leg 1,00,000
e) Total and irrecoverable loss of 1,00,000
sight in both eyes
f) Loss of one hand or one leg 1,00,000
g) Loss of limbs from grievous
injuries other than those specified 50,000
above
5 Death while fishing or immediately 2,00,000
thereafter not due to Accident
6 Missing fishermen while fishing 2,00,000
7 Natural Death 15,000
8 Funeral Expenses 2,500

To facilitate quick processing and delivery of

relief/assistance to the beneficiaries and for
enrollment of members, an exclusive web portal

132
www.tnfwb.tn.gov.in has been developed in co-
ordination with National Informatics Centre (NIC).

All the District Assistant Directors of Fisheries

and Fishermen Welfare have been provided with
User ID for accessing the web portal to upload
details of beneficiary directly to TNFWB which
paves way to easy and expeditious delivery of
schemes to the beneficiaries through NEFT.

As a measure to provide an opportunity for the

fishermen wards to pursue B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of
Fisheries Science) and B.Tech. (Fisheries
Engineering) in Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa
Fisheries University (TNJFU), TNFWB is sponsoring
full educational fee for 5% of students admitted
under Fishermen quota. During the year 2022-23,
a sum of Rs.14.02 lakh has been provided
towards the educational sponsorship for the
students of TNJFU.

Details of the relief/assistance disbursed during

the year 2022-23 are detailed in the Table 14.

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 Table 14

Relief assistance disbursed during the year

2022-23

No. of Amount
Sl. Claims (Rs. in
Details of Schemes
No
lakh)
1 Educational Assistance to 1,860 35.19
Sons and Daughters of the
Members
2 Marriage Assistance 94 3.46
3 Death due to Accident 147 292.00
4 Loss of limbs 4 3.50
5 Death while fishing 20 40.00
6 Missing fishermen while 2 3.00
fishing
7 Natural Death 1,104 165.60
8 Funeral Expenses 1,223 30.57
Total 4,454 573.32

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14. TAMIL NADU STATE APEX FISHERIES
CO-OPERATIVE FEDERATION LIMITED
(TAFCOFED)
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries
Co-operative Federation Limited is a registered
Apex society under Tamil Nadu Co-operatives
Societies Act, 1983. TAFCOFED was registered on
6.11.1991 and functioning since 19.10.1992 with
its headquarters at Chennai. At present, 474 Marine
Fishermen Cooperative Societies, 198 Marine Fisher
Women Cooperative Societies, 153 Inland Fishermen /
Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies and 10 District
Fishermen Cooperative Federations have been enrolled
as members in TAFCOFED with a total share capital of
Rs.91.29 lakh.

The Commissioner of Fisheries and

Fishermen Welfare is the Functional Registrar of
the Apex Federation and it is administered by
Managing Director in the cadre of Additional /Joint
Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare,
TAFCOFED has five Project Offices at Chennai,

135
Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi
and Nagercoil.

The schemes being implemented by the

Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative
Federation Ltd., are as follows:

14.1 Supply of Subsidized Industrial

Kerosene to Motorised Fishing Crafts
During 2022-23, TAFCOFED has supplied
6,602 KL of subsidized Industrial Kerosene to the
traditional motorised fishing crafts in Thoothukudi
and Tirunelveli Districts through 14 outlets and
earned a revenue of Rs.1.32 crore.

14.2 Supply of Tax exempted Diesel to

Fishing Crafts
During 2022-23, TAFCOFED has supplied
22,088 KL of tax exempted diesel to Mechanised
and Motorised fishing boats through 17 diesel
bunks established in coastal Districts and earned
a revenue of Rs.4.62 crore.

136
14.3 Fish Stalls

In order to supply good quality fish to

general public at a reasonable price, TAFCOFED
has established fish stalls at Kanniyakumari,
Vannarapettai in Tirunelveli District,
Ramanathapuram and Paramakudi in
Ramanathapuram District, Palanganatham in
Madurai District, Ariyalur, Neyveli Township in
Cuddalore District, Vaniyanchavadi in
Chengalpattu District and Vaiyavur in
Kancheepuram District. During the year 2022-23,
a total rental income of Rs.7.44 lakh has been
earned from these fish stalls.

14.4 Micro Credit to Fisherwomen

Fishers especially fisherwomen depend on

credit from local money lenders and procurement
agents at higher interest rates for their day to day
fish business which often lead to minimum
earnings for their livelihood. To help the
fisherwomen, TAFCOFED made intervention by

137
providing micro credit at a lower interest rate
which enable the fisherwomen free from money
lenders and ensure better income. During
2022-23, TAFCOFED has provided Rs.30.75 lakh
as micro credit to 205 fisherwomen of 41 Joint
Liability Groups (JLGs) at Thoothukudi and
Cuddalore Districts at the rate of Rs.15,000/- per
fisherwomen.

14.5 Cooperative Stores in Fishing

Harbours/Fish Landing Centres
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries
Cooperative Federation Limited has established
cooperative stores at Chinnamuttom, Colachel,
Thengapattinam, Thoothukudi and Nagapattinam
Fishing Harbours and Tharuvaikulam Fish Landing
Centre through which fishing implements and
accessories required by the fishermen are sold at
reasonable rates. Fishermen can access their daily
needs of fishing at the harbour premises itself. On
requirement basis, the store materials are
supplied from these Cooperative stores to other
Fish Landing Centres also and earned revenue of
Rs.3.34 lakh.

138
14.6 Supply of Outboard Motor (OBM)

TAFCOFED has supplied Outboard motor for

the traditional fishing crafts under State Scheme.
Subsidy assistance of 40% of the unit cost of the
engine or Rs.48,000/- whichever is less is
provided for purchasing OBM. During the year
2022-23, under State scheme, 333 OBMs have
been supplied to Kanniyakumari District fishermen
with a total subsidy amount of Rs.1.44 crore.

14.7 Construction of Project Office

Construction of TAFCOFED Project Office at

Thoothukudi fishing Harbur at a cost of
Rs.35 lakh under Chennai Integrated Cooperative
Development Project and it was inaugurated
on 27.01.2023 and functioning.

14.8 Establishment of Diesel Bunk

Diesel Bunk at Vanagiri in Mayiladuthurai

was established and functioning from 23.09.2022
for supplying sales tax exempted diesel to the
fishermen.

139
14.9 Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
Yojana
Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries
Cooperative Federation Limited has implemented
the PMMSY scheme for supply of Two Wheeler
fitted with Ice Box, Three Wheeler fitted with Ice
Box, Fish Kiosks and Insulated vehicles with 40%
subsidy for General category and 60% subsidy for
SC/Women category for retail fish marketing.
TAFCOFED is the Nodal agency for implementing
this scheme as follows.

Table: 15

2021 - 2022 2022 - 2023

Sl. Subsidy Subsidy
Components amount amount
No Nos. Nos.
(Rs.in (Rs. in
lakh) lakh)
1 Fish Kiosk 10 40.00 6 24.00
2 Insulated Vehicle 2 16.00 -
Three wheeler
3 fitted with Ice 15 21.00 40 52.20
Box
Two wheeler
4 fitted with Ice 500 157.50 225 77.70
Box
Total 527 234.50 271 153.90

140
14.10 Financial Performance

During the year 2022-23, TAFCOFED has

made a turnover of Rs. 228.86 crore and earned a
Gross profit of Rs.5.93 Crore (unaudited up to
February, 2023). An amount of Rs. 38.33 lakh has
been paid as contribution to Tamil Nadu
Fishermen Welfare Board.

15. TAMIL NADU FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION LIMITED (TNFDC)
The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development
Corporation Limited (TNFDC) was registered
under Companies Act in 1974 as a public sector
undertaking with an authorized share capital of
Rs.5 crore. It was established to undertake
commercial activities in the State fisheries sector.
The TNFDC is being administered by the Board of
Directors with its Chairman being appointed by
the Government.

The Commissioner of Fisheries and

Fishermen Welfare is the Managing Director of the

141
TNFDC. The administrative activities of the
Corporation are managed by the General
Manager, Senior Managers (Marine & Inland),
Manager (Audit & Accounts) in the registered
office and the field activities are carried out by the
Managers, Deputy Managers, Assistant Managers
with the support of ministerial staff.

15.1 Inland Fisheries

15.1.1 Reservoir Fisheries

Reservoir fisheries management in

8 reservoirs viz., Bhavanisagar, Perumpallam in
Erode District, Aliyar in Coimbatore District,
Amaravathy, Thirumoorthy, Uppar in
Tiruppur District, Palar-Porandalar in
Dindigul District and Sathanur in
Thiruvannamalai District which were taken on
lease from the Department of Fisheries and
Fishermen Welfare is presently undertaken by
TNFDC. The total fish exploitation from these
reservoirs is 791.15 tonnes with an income of

142
Rs.7.08 crore upto February, 2023. The fishing
rights of all the above reservoirs have been leased
out to private parties to generate more revenue.

15.1.2 Fish seed production and rearing

Fish farms of the Department of Fisheries

and Fishermen Welfare at Sathanur, Aliyar,
Amaravathy, Thirumoorthy and Palar- Porandalar
to an extent of 3.83 ha has been taken on lease
by the Corporation. Indian Major Carp seed
production is being carried out in Sathanur and
1.22 crore seeds have been produced till
February, 2023. Rearing of fish seed is being
carried out in Sathanur, Aliyar, Amaravathy,
Thirumoorthy and Palar- Porandalar fish farms
and 24.13 lakh fingerlings have been reared till
February, 2023. Quality fish seeds produced are
being utilized for stocking in the reservoirs
managed by TNFDC and are also sold to the
farmers.

143
15.1.3 Ornamental Fish culture & Aquarium
Keeping
An exclusive ornamental fish production unit
is functioning at Aliyar and species like Koi carp,
Gold Fish, Flower horn, Cichlid varieties are being
bred, reared and marketed by TNFDC.
Ornamental Fish Aquaria in Aliyar, Thirumoorthy
and Sathanur are also being operated by the
Corporation for attracting tourists. Public aquaria
of Municipal Corporations at Coimbatore and
Tiruppur are maintained by TNFDC. An exclusive
aquarium shop for marketing of aquarium
accessories and ornamental fishes is being setup
at Ecopark, Chetpet in Chennai. A total revenue of
Rs.17.21 lakh has been earned during this year
upto February, 2023.

15.2 Marine Fisheries

15.2.1 Supply of Tax-exempted High Speed
Diesel
The tax exempted high speed diesel
provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu for

144
the benefit of marine fishers is being supplied by
TNFDC through 32 diesel outlets in the fishing
harbours and fish landing centres located all along
the coastal area in the State. During this year,
75,008.41 KL of tax exempted high speed diesel
have been supplied to the traditional crafts and
mechanized boats, with a turnover of
Rs. 591.49 crore till February, 2023. During the
current year, a new diesel outlet has been opened
at Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour in Ramanathapuram
District.

TNFDC is in the process of establishing more

diesel outlets in newly established fishing
harbours and fish landing centres.

15.2.2 Supply of subsidized Industrial

Kerosene to Fishing Boats
The subsidized industrial kerosene is
provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu for
the benefit of marine fishers who are having
traditional crafts with kerosene operated outboard
motors in Kanniyakumari District is being supplied

145
through 11 outlets of TNFDC. During this year,
10,504 KL of subsidized kerosene have been
supplied till February, 2023 with a turnover of
Rs.94.05 crore.

15.2.3 Supply of Petrol

TNFDC has established a petrol outlet at

Therespuram in Thoothukudi District to augment
additional income from existing fuel outlets.
During this year, 175.56 KL of Petrol has been
sold to the public with a turnover of
Rs.1.82 crore. Additional petrol outlets will be
established in other existing diesel outlets of
TNFDC in near future.

15.2.4 Supply of Outboard Engines

TNFDC has procured and supplied 544 subsidized

outboard engines to traditional craft fishermen
belonging to Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai,
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai Districts and
an amount of Rs.1.77 crore have been given as
subsidy to the Fishermen by the Government.

146
15.3 Fish Marketing
15.3.1 Fresh fish marketing

From its inception, fish marketing is one of

the main thrust areas of TNFDC’s business, by
which quality fresh fish and value-added sea food
products are being marketed at a reasonable
price. TNFDC is currently operating a chain of
43 retail fish stalls at Chennai, Madurai , Dindigul,
Coimbatore, Pollachi, Tiruppur, Tirunelveli and
12 mobile units at Chennai, Tiruvannamalai,
Neyveli, Madurai, Pollachi, Thoothukudi and
Kanniyakumari.

During the year 2022-23, a total quantity

of 472.86 tons of fish has been marketed till
February, 2023 with a turnover of
Rs. 14.51 crore. Efforts are being taken to expand
the retail fish marketing network by establishing
more modern and mobile fish retail outlets in
different cities of the State.

147
15.3.2 Value added fish marketing

To generate additional income from fish

marketing, value addition is important, for which
three mobile seafood restaurants are being
operated at Marina beach (2 nos.), Saidapet
(1 no.) and one sit & dine facility at CIBA
complex, Santhome, Chennai. Fish and shrimp
pickles are also being produced and marketed
through the retail outlets of TNFDC. The
corporation has also established a fish food sales
counter in the trade fair at Island Grounds, for
promoting fish food consumption as well as to
create awareness on the importance of fish food
to the public. So far, a turnover of Rs.1.65 crore
has been earned till February, 2023 through value
added seafood sales.

15.3.3 Online Fish Marketing

TNFDC is undertaking online fish marketing

through the web portal www.meengal.com and
mobile app ‘Meengal’. The online fish marketing

148
facilities are well utilized for supply of fishes to
the customers at their doorsteps through
e-commerce platform. Since its inception in April
2020, a total of 38,324 deliveries have been
completed and 57.73 MT of fish have been sold to
the value of Rs.3.16 crore till February, 2023.

TNFDC has developed a brand logo with

caption of “IDHU NAMMA OORU MEENGAL”
(இt ந$ம ஊr m)க+) and also carrying out

promotional activities in social media to increase

the fish sales.
15.3.4 Wholesale fish market, Ukkadam in
Coimbatore District

A wholesale fish market was established at

Ukkadam in Coimbatore in cooperation with
Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation. The fish
market was revamped by renovating existing
shops and drainage facilities. In order to facilitate
more freshness and quality, an ice plant and cold
storage of 10 MT capacities each are being

149
constructed under National Agriculture
Development Programme (NADP) at a cost of
Rs.1.10 crore. The works will be completed
shortly.

15.4 Management of Chetpet Sport Fishing

cum Eco Park
The Sport fishing cum Eco Park established
by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen
Welfare is being operated and maintained by
TNFDC. The Chetpet Sport fishing cum Eco Park,
which has the following facilities viz., aquarium-
cum-aquatic virtual reality centre, boating,
angling, food court, walking track, children play
area, multimedia amphitheatre, multi-level car
parking etc., attract huge number of public,
especially children to the Eco Park. During the
year 2022-23, 1,78,539 people have visited this
park and an entry fee of Rs.39.69 lakh has been
collected till February, 2023.

The recreational facilities in the Eco-Park are

being leased out to private parties and an income

150
of Rs.1.29 crore has been earned. The income is
being utilized for the maintenance of Eco-Park.
Additional recreational facilities will also be
created in near future.

15.5 Operation of Fish Feed Mill

The fish feed mill established under National

Agriculture Development Programme (NADP) at
Achampatti in Thanjavur District is being operated
by TNFDC. The feed produced is supplied to the
Government fish seed farms. During the year
2022-23, 154.31 MT fish feed have been
produced and supplied till February, 2023.

15.6 Financial Performance

A turnover of Rs.788.25 crore and earned a

profit of Rs.10.23 crore (unaudited) is expected
for the year 2022-23.

15.7 Contribution of Funds by TNFDC

TNFDC has paid a sum of Rs.2.59 crore to

the State Government as dividend from the profit

151
of the financial year 2021-2022. TNFDC also paid
a sum of Rs.1.98 crore as its contribution to the
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board for the year
2022-23 upto February, 2023.

An amount of Rs.24.25 lakh has been

contributed from CSR funds of TNFDC for the year
2022-23 for the infrastructure development
works.

152
16. Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries
University (TNJFU)
Tamil Nadu Dr.J Jayalalithaa Fisheries
University (TNJFU) is a State Government
funded University established on 19.06.2012
at Nagapattinam as per Tamil Nadu Fisheries
University Act, 2012. The University and
fisheries science colleges are accredited by
ICAR till March, 2026 awarded with a grade
of “A”.

16.1 Vision of the University

“Harnessing the Science of Fisheries for Food,

Nutrition and Livelihood”

16.2 Mission

Excelling in teaching, research and

extension initiatives in fisheries sciences to
produce professionally acclaimed and socially
responsible graduates achieving nutritional
security and sustainable development of the
fisheries sector.

153
16.3 Objectives

Ø To impart quality professional educations in

different branches of Fisheries Sciences.
Ø To conduct organised research in the
frontier area to develop cutting-edge
technologies in Fisheries Sciences.
Ø To provide extension services in Fisheries
Sciences
Ø To facilitate comprehensive development of
Fisheries Sciences for increased
contribution of State’s Economy and set
benchmark standards through appropriate
interventions.
16.4 Administrative Setup

The University headquarters located in

Nagapattinam has the office of Vice-
Chancellor, Registrar, Director of Research,
Director of Extension Education, Controller of
Examinations, Director of Sustainable
Aquaculture, Finance Officer and Estate
Officer. There are 8 constituent colleges,
3 Paraprofessional Institutes and

154
 5 Directorates located in 12 Districts of
Tamil Nadu.
16.5 Academics

Table:16

No. of
Faculty Courses offered
colleges
Fisheries 1. B.F.Sc
Sciences 2. M.F.Sc(13 disciplines) 3
3. Ph.D(13 disciplines)
Basic 1. B.Tech (Bio-technology)
Sciences
2. B.B.A(Fisheries Enterprise
Management)
3
3. M.B.A(Fisheries
Enterprise Management)
4. Ph.D(Life Sciences)
Fisheries 1. B.Tech (Fisheries
Engineering Engineering)
2. B.Tech (Energy and
1
Environmental
Engineering)
3. M.Tech(2 disciplines)
Food
Science and B.Tech (Food Technology) 1
Nutrition
* Further B.Voc., in three subjects are also
offered in three Paraprofessional Institutes

155
 During the year 2022-23, there are
320 students admitted in various UG
programmes and 61 in PG programmes. The
overall strength of this University is
1500 students.

There are 33 students secured their

admission in PG and Ph.D. as JRF and SRF
with fellowship in CIFE, Mumbai and other
SAUs through ICAR – AIEEA exam.

In academic year 2022-23, 17 students

benefitted from 7.5% reservation of
Government School students in Undergraduate
programmes and 25 students benefitted from
20% reservation allotted for fishermen
community in B.F.Sc., and B.Tech. Fisheries
Engineering.

During the year 2022, out of 570 girls

students studying in 09 UG programmes,
31 girls students benefitted from Tamil Nadu
Government ‘Pudhumai Penn’ scheme.

156
16.6 Naan Muthalvan

To create awareness among the

students about fisheries education, prospectus
and placement details under the caption
“Kalluri kanavugal’, an exhibition was
organized on 25.06.2022 in Chennai followed
by faculties were nominated to explain about
fisheries education in all Districts of
Tamil Nadu in which more than
10,000 students benefitted.

16.7 Convocation

The Seventh Convocation of Tamil Nadu

Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University was
held on 19.08.2022 at University
headquarters, Nagapattinam. A total of
366 graduates were conferred with the
degrees ‘In Person’ and a total of
48 graduates received their degrees ‘In
absentia’ under different categories. A total of
19 candidates were awarded with medals

157
under different categories. The convocation
was chaired by the Hon'ble Governor of Tamil
Nadu. The University confers 50 endowment
awards for the academic excellence of the
students every year.

16.8 Infrastructure facilities Developed and

inaugurated
Farmers Training centre, road formation
and Arch in University headquarters,
Nagapattinam, students hostel &
Administrative block in Fisheries college,
Thalainayeru, Nagapattinam and compound
wall work in Thoothukudi are created under
NABARD for a total budget of Rs.26.09 crore.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated

building for teaching and non-teaching staff
Quarters in Dr.M.G.R. FC&RI at Thalainayeru,
Nagapattinam and building of first floor over
the existing building of CoFE, Nagapattinam
with the funding support of NABARD and State
fund for Rs. 13.20 crore during the year 2022.

158
 The Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated
Paraprofessional Institute of Fisheries
Technology at Madhavaram Campus, Chennai;
Additional Infrastructure Facility of Hostel I
and II Floor for Dr.M.G.R. FC&RI at
Thalainayeru, Nagapattinam; Office cum
Laboratory and Training Hall in Centre for
Sustainable Aquaculture at Mandapam; Long
liner cum Gill netter Deep Sea Training Boat;
and Laboratory Complex and Training Hall at
FC&RI, Thoothukudi with the funding support
of State fund, NABARD and NADP for
Rs.11.67 crore in the year 2023.

16.9 Research:
16.9.1 Ongoing Projects:

During 2022-2023, the University

operated 25 projects from different funding
agencies with the total amount of
Rs. 37.84 crore. The following projects are
operated in this University.

159
 Table: 17

Number Budget
Sl.
Funding Agency of (Rs. in
No.
Projects Lakh)
1. Department of Science 2 66.68
and Technology –
Science and
Engineering Research
Board (DST-SERB)
2. Entrepreneurship 1 250.00
Development and
Innovation Institute
(EDII)
3. Indian Council of 2 68.25
Agricultural Research
– National Innovations
on Climate Resilient
Agriculture (ICAR–
NICRA)

4. Pradhan Mantri Matsya 1 52.20

Sampada Yojana
through Indian Council
of Agricultural
Research - National
Bureau of Fish Genetic
Resources)(PMMSY
through ICAR-NBFGR)
5. Department of 1 54.00
Biotechnology (DBT)
6. Tamil Nadu Irrigated 1 250.00
Agriculture
Modernization Project
(TN-IAMP)

160
 Number Budget
Sl.
No. Funding Agency of (Rs. in
Projects Lakh)
7. Tamil Nadu Innovation 2 577.46
Initiatives (TANII)
8. National Agricultural 6 882.30
Development
Programme (NADP)
9. National Bank for 1 350.00
Agriculture and Rural
Development
(NABARD)
10. Tamil Nadu State Fund 3 917.20
11. Tamil Nadu State Land 2 26.36
Use Research Board
(TNSLURB)
12. National Centre for 1 123.91
Coastal Research
(NCCR)
13. Pradhan Mantri Matsya 1 116.00
Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY)
14. National Co-operative 1 50.00
Development
Corporation (NCDC)
Total 25 3784.36

16.9.2 Research publications

TNJFU has been showing an upward

trend over the years with 120 research papers

161
(International Journals: 93 and National
Journals: 27) were published in the year 2022
with NAAS rating more than 6 which is an
essential criterion for national ranking.

16.9.3 Patents applied / granted

During 2022-23, the University has filed

16 design patents.

1. Pedal Operated Fish De-scaling machine

2. Electric operated Semi-automatic dry fish
cutter
3. Electric operated batch type pasteurization
system for processing crab meat in Retort
pouch
4. Electric operated dewatering machine for fish
mince
5. Fish Vending machine
6. Aeration cum feeding system for nursery
aquaculture system
7. Cage for freshwater Aquaculture
8. Grader for Shrimp nursery
9. Sandwich structured Halochromic Sensor for
Monitoring

162
10. Spoilage of Packed Fish
11. Pocket – Size Calorimeter
12. Capacitive Deionization of water
13. Aquatic animal harvester
14. Aquatic Animal Habituation Tank
15. Piezoelectric shoes
16. Piezoelectric tiles
16.9.4 Technology and machineries / tools
developed
Five technologies were developed in this
year viz., Minimalistic circular tank prototype
for Biofloc fish culture technique, Fish Bone
Collagen Peptides encapsulated with Protein
Carrier as Dietary Supplements, Method
optimization and validation for the accurate
determination of formaldehyde in fish using
UPLC, PCR assay for the detection of shrimp
allergen, tropomyosin using the designed
primers and Edible sachet technology for
packaging of fish soup powder.

163
 Seven machineries / tools were
developed in this year are Batch type fish
mince dewatering system for surimi
production, Batch type pasteurizer for crab
meat pasteurization in retort pouch, Design
and development of pedal operated fish
descaling machine, Fish meat extractor or
Mincer, Fish Popping Machine, Solar Powered
Auto Feeder with Control System and Mobile
App and High performance Sandwich
structured Halochromic Sensor for Monitoring
Spoilage of Packed Fish.

16.9.5 Products developed

Fifteen products were developed in this

year includes Fortification of pasta using
seaweed powder (Caulerpa racemosa), Cheese
and Spice Flavoured shrimp snack, Classy salt
and Chilly Shrimp snack, Green Spice Shrimp
Snack, Tandoori barbecued shrimp snack,
Tamil Nadu style spicy shrimp powder, Smoky

164
dried shrimp, Shrimp based seasoning mix,
Seaweed pickle, Apple snail soup powder,
Seaweed jam, Mixed Spice Shrimp Snack,
Water soluble chitosan fortified health mix,
Water soluble chitosan fortified vegetable
soup and Water soluble chitosan fortified
grape drink.

16.9.6 Mobile apps

Three E- Applications developed in this

year are Smart Do – AI Based Web
Application, Aquagent – Farmer friendly
virtual assistant and Web application for
sludge volume prediction in shrimp farms.

16.9.7 MoU signed

In 2022-23, eleven Memorandum of

Understandings (MoUs) have been signed, one
each with Curtin University, Australia and Bay
of Bengal Programme and nine with private
organizations.

165
16.9.8 Technology commercialized through
research outcome
The marine products incubation forum of
Fisheries College and Research Institute,
Thoothukudi commercialized sea weed
incorporated cosmetic products entering MoU
with a Madurai based private company,
“Herbalis” and introduced in the market for
consumers.

The technology on South Indian Fish curry

in retort pouch and Sri Lankan Fish curry in retort
pouch have been commercialized to Britto
Seafood, Thoothukudi and five Ready to Eat
spiced and dried shrimp products were
commercialized to Vantage Nutriments, Kolkatta.

The technology on shrimp feed

formulation was commercialized to M/s. CMR
Feeds and Supplements, Chennai.

166
16.10 Important events organized

16.10.1 Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture

Forum (IFAF)
University conducted the National Level
12 th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum
on 5 – 7 May, 2022 in Chennai, in which about
900 research articles were presented and
more than 2000 researchers participated.
Hon’ble Governor – Chancellor inaugurated
the programme.

16.10.2 National Agriculture Scientific

Tamil Conference
University organized two-days 8 th
National conference on Agriculture scientific
Tamil was organized on 25 – 26 February,
2023 in TNJFU, Nagapattinam jointly with
Agriculture Scientific Tamil Society,
New Delhi. There are 576 research papers in
Tamil were presented and more than 500
students and teaching staff in fisheries,
veterinary science, agriculture and allied
science colleges and institutes participated.

167
16.11 Extension:

16.11.1 Incubation units developed for

farmers and stakeholders
Recirculating Aquaculture System,
Shrimp larval rearing unit, Marine fish nursery
unit, Fish and Shrimp ponds, Feed mill,
Aquatic Rainbow Mall, Aquatic Rainbow
Technology Park, Inland cage culture unit,
Marine cage culture unit, Raceways etc., are
available in constituent units of this University
to lease out for the benefit of fish and shrimp
farmers, rural and urban youth and other
stakeholders. In the entrepreneurship
Development and Innovative Institute (EDII)
funded project, 27 incubates registered and
doing business using the facilities at Fisheries
College, Thoothukudi.

16.11.2 Service through laboratory analysis

Four laboratories of this University viz.,

State Referral laboratory for Aquatic Animals

168
Health, Madhavaram, Thiruvallur District;
State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Health,
FC&RI, Thoothukudi; State Referral laboratory
for Fish Quality Monitoring and Certification,
FC&RI, Thoothukudi and State Referral
Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing, Institute
of Fisheries Post graduate Studies,
Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai are catering to the
need of the aquaculture farmers and sea food
processors to analysis the water quality
parameters, disease diagnosis and treatment,
fish feed quality and also for quality of fish
and fishery products.

16.11.3 Trainings to fishermen

A deep sea fishing research and training

vessel was recently launched by the University
in Thoothukudi to train the fishermen. There
are 150 fishermen benefitted from the
trainings conducted on care and maintenance
of marine engines, safety of fishermen at sea

169
and boat maneuvering skills in the year
2022-23.

16.11.4 Service to fish farmers and

entrepreneurs
Quarterly magazine ‘Meenvala sudar’ is
published by this University and circulated to
fish farmers and entrepreneurs to understand
the recent developments in aquaculture and
fisheries in Tamil Language. Success stories of
the different fish farmers are published to
motivate others in fish farming. There are
78 outreach programmes including webinar
and conference conducted in aquaculture and
fisheries by all constituent units and 5224
beneficiaries benefitted. In Agricultural and
Veterinary subjects, 71 trainings were
conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra(KVK),
Sikkal and 3,819 beneficiaries were
benefitted.

170
17. WAY FORWARD

The future plans of the Government for the

comprehensive development of the sector are:

Ø The State Government will ensure the welfare

of the fisherfolk through social security
schemes.

Ø The Government will continue to support the

fishermen through supplying state of the art
communication equipment to ensure the safety
and security of fishermen while fishing.

Ø To reduce the pressure on marine fishery

resources, alternative livelihood options like
seaweed farming, mariculture activities like
open sea cage culture will be promoted.

Ø The Government will develop exclusive

infrastructure facilities for seaweed production
and seaweed product development.

Ø Training and capacity building in handling cold

chain, value addition, best farming practices
etc., will be given to fishers.

171
Ø Coastal aquaculture activities like crab
fattening, pond culture of marine finfishes and
lobster fattening in open sea cages will be
promoted.

Ø Research findings of Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries

University in fish farming, mariculture,
processing etc. will be taken to the field for the
benefit of the fisherfolk and fish farmers.

Ø For effective utilization of coastal fallow lands,

land leasing policy to be developed to increase
coastal aquaculture production.

Ø World class Fishing Harbours, shore facilities

and cold chain links all along the coast of Tamil
Nadu will be established to ensure hygienic
handling, quality assurance and better value
realization for the fish catch.

Ø Conservation and sustainable management of

Fishery resources through effective
implementation of Acts, Rules and Regulations.

Ø The Government is keen on enhancing the

overall inland fish production of the State, for

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 which creation of necessary infrastructure
facilities for seed production, promotion of
latest technologies, effective utilization of all
water resources for fish culture will be done.

Ø Impetus to be given to conserve the native fish

species of State. Ranching programmes to be
performed in rivers and other natural water
bodies that will replenish the stock of the
native fish varieties.

Ø Cluster based farming will be promoted to

carry out effective marketing and to fetch
better price for inland fishes.

Ø Conservation and fishery resource

enhancement measures such as installation of
artificial reefs and sea ranching programmes to
be taken up on a large scale.

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18. BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE YEAR
2023-24
For the year 2023-24, a sum of
Rs.1,358.26 crore has been provided in the
budget estimate. Out of this, the projected
revenue expenditure is Rs.618.41 crore and the
capital expenditure is Rs.739.85 crore.

19. CONCLUSION

The Government accords special emphasis

for creating fishery resources towards ensuring
sustainable fish production from marine,
brackishwater and inland fisheries sectors,
besides safeguarding the welfare of the fishers.
Restoring the right to fish in the traditional fishing
grounds of the Palk Bay is already one among the
top priorities of the Government. The Government
of Tamil Nadu is continuously insisting the Union
Government to arrive a permanent solution to the
issues of attacks and apprehension of our
fishermen and their fishing assets by the
Sri Lankan Government in the Palk Bay area.

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 In view of sustaining the growth in the
fisheries sector, the Government have initiated
the process of diverting the fishermen into
alternative livelihood activities like seaweed
culture and open sea cage culture. On the other
hand, the Government have announced the
installation of artificial reefs in a large scale in the
inshore waters of both Palk Bay Districts and in
other Districts to act as feeding and breeding
ground for fishes. This would largely enhance the
fishery stock in the nearshore areas and thus it
will be helpful for the artisanal fishermen to get
sufficient fish catch right next to their fishing
villages.

The Government of Tamil Nadu have taken

all initiatives to address the gap between the
inland fish seed production and supply, so as to
stock all the public water bodies with quality fish
fingerlings to increase the inland fish production
of the State. The Government also focuses on

175
sufficient production of fast growing fish seeds
like Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)
to meet out the growing demands in inland
culture fisheries. In order to reach the
technological advancements in fisheries sector to
the field, subsidy schemes on Re-circulatory
Aquaculture System (RAS) and Bio-floc fish
culture are being promoted for sustainable
development.

The Government have a greater vision to

expand the Brackishwater aquaculture in a large
scale for doubling the seafood exports from the
State, while optimally utilizing the coastal fallow
lands for shrimp aquaculture. Development of
requisite cold chain facilities and other coastal
infrastructure facilities to assist fishermen in safe
berthing of their fishing crafts and in the pre-
processing, processing and exports are well
planned and executed. Thus, the futuristic
planning of the Government and perfection in

176
execution of the schemes will certainly lead to the
visionary goals of the Government in fisheries
sector in near future.

ANITHA R. RADHAKRISHNAN
Minister for Fisheries-Fishermen
Welfare and Animal Husbandry

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 Annexure

ALLOTMENT FOR THE YEAR 2023 - 2024

Scheme
Revenue Capital Loan Total
Description
(Rs.in lakh)
Salaries 8,792.51 0.00 0.00 8,792.51
Relief Schemes
23,665.40 0.00 0.00 23,665.40
(State Fund)
Other schemes
(State and
4,456.31 0.00 0.00 4,456.31
Centrally
sponsored)
IAMWARM
(World Bank 326.19 0.00 0.00 326.19
Scheme)
PMMSY Schemes
(Central and
19,381.81 0.00 0.00 19,381.81
State shared
Schemes)
NADP Schemes 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.77
Tamil Nadu
Fisheries 5,218.05 0.00 0.00 5,218.05
University
Infrastructure
0.00 800.03 0.00 800.03
(State Fund)
Infrastructure -
FIDF (Central
0.00 36,185.01 0.00 36,185.01
and State shared
Scheme)
Infrastructure -
0.00 37,000.01 0.00 37,000.01
NABARD
TOTAL 61,841.04 73,985.05 0.00 1,35,826.09

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