Socio-economic status of gillnet operators from Ratnagiri block of Maharashtra state

Gillnetting has been practiced for centuries worldwide and has experienced a remarkable surge in activity in recent times. Gillnets are regarded as highly selective fishing gear, making them one of the most appropriate methods for catching fish from a conservation and stock regulation perspective. In Ratnagiri, gillnet fishing is pivotal in small-scale fisheries and generates employment for the coastal people. Hence, it was necessary to study the socio-economic status of gillnet operators of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Therefore, an investigation on socio-economic status of gillnet operators of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra was done. The information was collected randomly from 113 respondents by using an interview schedule. By using descriptive statistics, the data were analysed. The results showed that a majority (69.03%) belonged to the middle age group with secondary education. Most were male (100%), married (95.58%), and owned gill net boats (100%). The study highlighted their housing conditions, family structure, and possession of assets. Gillnet operators faced health issues, and the major constraints included a lack of capital and poor ice supply. The average annual family income was 2,04,513, with savings at 46.54%. The profit gained from gillnet fishing was 3,12,092. The constraints faced by gillnet operators were lack of capital, price fluctuation, poor ice supply, spoilage during storage, high transportation cost, unhygienic market place, lack of government assistance. The study suggests targeted training programs for modern fishing techniques, financial education, and income diversification to address challenges and promote overall development in the region. Improved ice supply and storage facilities are also recommended for the fishing community.