John Lings
Ph.D Research Scholar, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.
Introduction
People’s day-to-day life depends on transport. Basically, there are three types of transport Air, Road and Sea. These transports have been used for carrying goods as well as passengers since many years. They are also used mainly for trading. Accordingly, sea is a large ground for fishing. In olden days, people used to do fishing by using vallams. After 1950s, the government had introduced machine vessels for fishing. These machines could increase the level of economic, both for the people and government. Gradually, the government had brought out remarkable and excellent action in the field of fishing. For fishing the government introduced mechanised boat which is otherwise known as Pablo- Boats.
Pablo boats are used for deep-sea fishing. The introduction of these boats developed the socio-economic growth among the fisher-folk and coastal villages. Also these boats increased the production of variety of fishes in a large amount. Along with these progresses the Government also encountered with plenty of beneficial earnings in the field of fishing.
Traditional Boats
The traditional crafts which include the Orus, Vallams and Teppams operate in waters are somewhat difficult and these cannot be go beyond certain limits. Though, it is complex to catch fishes in deep sea only a few Orus venture beyond ten miles off the coast.
Mechanized Boats
The mechanized boats can operate beyond the range of the traditional craft. Some of these boats operate beyond the coastal zone. Assuming that the majority of these boats operate within the coastal zone their contribution to the coastal fishery is significant. Their catches which consist mainly of sharks, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, rockfish, seer and boarfish have been increased considerably in the past few years.
Types of Mechanized Boats
Fishing boats are most essential for catching the fish in large scale in water bodies. A large variety of boats have been designed for marine and inland fishing in India. The types of fishing crafts of India fall under two general categories. They are non-mechanized and mechanized fishing crafts. There are several types of mechanized boats and non-mechanized boats subsequent are some of the varieties. Non-mechanized boats are catamarans, vallams and mechanized boats are hand line boats, trap boats, doll netter, gillnetter and trawlers.
Hand line boat: Hand line boats can be operated both in the shallow and deeper waters. In India the gear usually consists of a few meters of monofilament of 0.5 mm to 1 mm diameter to the end of which is attached a hood and a sinker, usually a small stone. They are used to catch all kinds of demersal fish from motorized as well as small mechanized vessels.
Pole and line fishing vessel: Pole and line fishing vessels are fitted with a narrow platform protruding all round the vessel at deck level, outside the bulwarks. The most popular craft for pole and line fishing in India is ‘mas odi’ of Minicoy. It is a wooden craft 12.5m long and 3m wide at the stern, made from venteak, coconut or aini wood. The back end is provided with a broad raised fishing platform. The propulsion of the craft is by sail or by oars. Nearly 20 to 25 men work on each craft.
Trolling vessel: Trolling line boats tow lines extending on either side to catch pelagic species having high individual value and good quality, such as tuna and baracuda. A number of lures hanging from outrigger poles through lines are towed from a slowly moving vessel. The fish hooked after snapping at the lures are brought on board as the line is hauled in. The lures after detaching the fish are put again into the water. The vessel lengths vary between 25’ 50’and have normally a forward wheelhouse arrangement allowing a clear working deck aft.
Dol netter: The dol netters are used for operating the dol nets, which are basically fixed bag nets. The dol netter has varies in forms, 814 mm length, 1.5 m to 3.6 m in breadth and 0.8 m to 1.8 m in height. The carrying capacity of each of such boats varies from 214 tonnes. Each of these boats is fitted with 24 cylinder diesel engines.
Gill netter: Vessels of almost any size can undertake gill netting. The number of nets used for fishing is adjusted to suit the size of the operating vessel. The vessels vary in length between 25’ and 55’. The deck must be so laid out that the gear can be conveniently stowed, with a clear passage from bow to stern so that the gear can be passed after hauling. An arrangement with wheelhouse and engine room forward or behind may be used depending on the operating method adopted. In a typical arrangement with the engine and wheelhouse in the backward configuration, sufficient deck space must be available behind the house for storing and handling the net. A forward arrangement can also be used for side hauling, in which case the wheelhouse is sometimes so located to provide a clear working passage.
Stern trawlers: Fishing over the stern can be a very efficient way of trawling. Stern trawling is the most wide spread method of fishing in India. The vessels range in size from 32’ to 55’ in length and may be fitted with 60 to 120 horsepower engine and above. Vessels above 45’ in length may also be constructed in steel. The most common deck layout is such that the wheelhouse is just forward of amidships with working deck behind. The winch powered by the engine is located behind the wheelhouse with the warps leading to the gallows located at the middle or sides of the stern, from which the otter boards hang.
Introduction of Mechanized Boats
Community development inserted the state into the everyday life of the fishermen through the presence of the Co-operative Societies. One of the most welcomed developments in the Fisheries Department was the introduction of Mechanized boats and also it can be said that this is one of the major schemes for the benefit of fishermen brought out by Minister Lourdhammal Simon. And the second focus of fisheries community development was ‘to advance motorization without significantly changing the structure of the fishery’, a scheme that the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department initiated with the help of the United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). From 1957-62, in the Cabinet of Kamaraj, Lourdhammal Simon was the first Woman Minister and with the assistance of Norway country she had introduced Mechanized Boats in the State. It is also known as Indo-Norwagian Project. This Project was introduced in coastal districts like Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam and Chennai the Pablo boat was supplied for the beneficial work of fishermen. In all the coastal districts through the Co-operative Societies five reduced fishermen were selected and boats were distributed by the order of Minister Lourdhammal Simon. She had supplied Mechanized Boats and Nets to all the fishermen throughout the Madras State.
Under the Plan scheme for construction of mechanized fishing boats, the mechanized fishing boats were sold to groups of fishermen or members of Fishermen Co-operative Societies at concessional price calculated at 75 % of the cost of hull and 50 per cent of the cost of the engine. The scheme was eligible for a grant of 25 per cent on cost of staff and 50 % grant on the subsidy allowed to fishermen on the sale of boats from the Government of India. During 1959, Minister Lourdhammal Simon had ordered to supply 25 % of the cost of boat (both engines and hull together) was granted as subsidy. For the construction of Pablo boats the State Government was giving 25 per cent of the cost of hull plus 50 per cent of the cost of engines as subsidy, and in this, half was provided by the Central Government.
One hundred and thirty-two Pablo Boats had been constructed and distributed in the Second Five Year Plan. The scheme was expanded in the Third Plan and a provision of Rs.9 lakhs had been made for 40 Pablo Boats in 1961– 62.
Tribulations among Fishermen
During the period of Lourdhammal Simon in 1958 with the assistance of Norway country’s new technology, mechanized boats were introduced in the Madras State. Still before, the fishermen were used to fish with the help of our old traditional methods fishing by Catamarans and Country boats (vallam). And before the introduction of mechanized boats, the deep-sea fishing was an unattainable thing to fishermen.
At first introduction of Pablo boat was opposed severely by throughout the State fisher-folk. Because they thought that, sound produced from these boats would destroy the fishes and they would be died almost immediately. Also secretion of oils and smoke produced from these boats, the sea atmosphere would be collapsed and the importance of catamarans and vallams would be abolished. For these reasons the fishermen were got annoyed and they refused the boat thoroughly. Though to convey their disagreement several illegal riots were turned out all over the Madras State. In fact, especially in Kanyakumari District, the impact of violence was reached its peak because the district was Lourdhammal Simon’s native land.
The distribution work of Mechanized Boats was done during the 1st year of the Second Five-Year Plan and the results achieved were indeed encouraging and it was hoped that much more would be achieved in the course of the 2nd year. There was no doubt that the income of the fishermen in the State would be doubled, but by greater out-put which was expected to be three or even four times than that year production.
During the Second Plan period, so far 65 Mechanised fishing boats had been distributed to the fishermen Co-operative Societies and federations and also groups of fishermen. Another 67 boats were under construction, and they had distributed very shortly. In view of the popular demand for Mechanised boats it was programmed to construct and supply 400 Pablo boats1 during the Third Plan period. The board had recommended that the security deposit collected for the supply of boats might be considered adequate and additional security need not be demanded for the supply of fish-net twine and nylon nets. The Government had accepted this recommendation.
Mechanisation Programme
The main bottleneck of the programme of mechanisation was the shortage of boat building capacity, and to overcome this difficulty, the Department had proposed to construct additional boat building yards at suitable centres. Facilities also developed for repairs and maintenance of mechanised fishing boats. A scheme for carrying out research for improving the fishing crafts also one of the features of the programme of work of the Department during the Third Plan. Nylon nets worth Rs.6.63 lakhs needed particularly for the mechanised boats had been distributed at subsidised rates to fishermen during the Second Plan. The scheme was proposed to be continued in the Third Plan with a provision of Rs.20 lakhs.2
Two more fishing harbours, one at Royapuram and another at Colachel were to be established during the Third Plan and the fishing harbor at Cuddalore already taken up for development and had opened to the fishing industry. Mooring facilities like jetties, buoys slipways and the like provided at the fishing centres at Tuticorn, Madras and Colachel.
Nylon Nets
Along with Mechanised Boats another impact in the history of Tamilnadu Government was the introduction of Nylon-net by Minister Lourdhammal Simon. Instead of cotton-nets nylon-nets were introduced and with the introduction of mechanized fishing boats, modern fishing gears such as fishing nets, made of nylon and other synthetic material had also been supplied to fishermen to enable them to maximize the catches from the sea.3 The fishermen had learnt by experience that these nets made of synthetic material, were more effective and also more durable. Hence the demand for these synthetic materials was constantly on the increase. Government of Madras, through Fisheries Department, had started introducing nylon nets among fishermen and the nets were gaining fast popularity. Groups of fishermen and Fishermen Co-operative Societies were given these nets on subsidy and credit basis. One-third value was free and the balance of two-thirds value repayable in easy monthly installments out of the profits realized in sale of daily fish landed. With the introduction of nylon fishing nets a new and brighter chapter was opened in the State Fishing Industry.4
Regarding subsidy of Nylon Nets, Minister Lourdhammal Simon stated on 18th August 1961 before the house: “I gave certain particulars on 14-3-1961 about synthetic fish net twine supplied to fishermen by the Fisheries Department, and about the number of applications received for issue of import licenses to fishermen during the past two years, and the number granted so far. Thus, the State Government was eligible for a subsidy of Rs. 39,122 towards the synthetic net (valued at Rs. 2.65 lakhs) supplied to fishermen by the Fisheries Department during 1957-58, 1959-60 and up to 31st October 1960.”
In 1956, Lourdhammal Simon decided to import nylon nets from Glasgrow for distribution with subsidy. Community Development to the Blue Revolution States: “of the sixty- five nets received by the end of 1957, Colachel secured twenty-four. Also in 1956, the Government bought ‘terlene’ from a local branch of the British Imperial Chemical Industries as a cheaper alternative to Glasgrow nylon; Colachel Society was the only one of the sixteen Societies functioning in Kanyakumari to receive 25 pounds of the material. In 1957 the Government distributed twenty-six boats with nylon gill nets at a per cent subsidy across the State of which seven went to Colachel”.5
Composition of nylon
Nylon is a superior textile fibre produced by chemical synthesis from coal-tar and limestone. While it is difficult for us to believe that such strong, beautiful and silky fibre as nylon comes out of coal-tar and limestone, the fact remains that the fibre is out of these two “impossible combinations”. While there is an old proverb in Tamil to say that ‘it is impossible to make fibre out of stone’, the time had come to prove its fallacy and that really nylon is out of lime-stone.
Nylon in fishing
Nylon means longer life to nets and larger catches to fishermen. Rot-proof fishing nets and ropes have long been a dream of the fishermen. The application of nylon to fishing nets and ropes had brought a revolution in the fishing industry during the year 1958-59. Excellency of Minister Lourdhammal Simon, nylon nets had introduced in the fishing combo and nylon nets were reached utmost fame among the fishermen. The benefits of nylon net are given below:
Rot proof
Fishing nets made from natural fibres like cotton and hemp are subject to rapid deterioration under water. Outside water also living organisms like bacteria, fungi, white-ants, dermestid beetles, silver fish, moth feed on natural fibres. These organisms are present to a smaller or larger extent in fresh water, sea water or storage rooms. Sea salt also destroys nets made of natural fibres. But, nylon nets are completely rot proof and they cannot be easily damaged and destroyed.
Exposure to sunlight and weathering
Nets made of natural fibres like cotton require to be dried in the sun after use. But, nylon nets need not be dried after use. Though, nylon therefore relieves troubles of fishermen for drying nets and handling them.
Strength
Nylon nets have tremendous strength. Nylon is twice strong and half as heavy as aluminum. It withstands heavy loads with a very little elasticity. Thus nylon net has a very long life. Nylon nets are extremely light size and it is the lightest fibre in the world.
Resistance to temperature
Nylon nets are un-affected by extremes of temperature. It retains full strength even in frost and its melting point is 490 degrees Fahrenheit. Nylon does not easily catch fire so it suits for all the weathers.
Transparency
Nylon nets are almost invisible in water. To explain further, in view of the invisibility of the nylon nets fishes easily get caught in nets. But in the case of other conventional nets, owing to their visibility fishes often fight shy of approaching them.
Elasticity
Nylon nets have just the right elasticity to gill fishes. The basic nylon yarn stretches up to 20 per cent without breaking. After normal stretching it recovers completely so that mesh sizes remain the same. Further, when trapped, fishes struggle hard in the nets, the elastic nylon gives allowance to their movements without getting easily damaged. Transparency and elasticity of the yarn used for fishing nets, especially gill nets, have significant bearings upon the catch. This is why larger catches are guaranteed by using nylon nets.6
Maintenance
Maintenance of nylon nets is easy. Fishermen do not want to suffer too much for its maintenance. Because of these merits, nylon nets were rapidly displacing those made of cotton, hemp and coir and revolutionizing the fishing industry. At first, it may be thought that the nylon net is further costly in comparison with that of the cotton net. The above merits were taken into account among fishermen through Fisheries Department and it was realized that great benefits accumulate from the use of nylon nets in the long run. Thus, nylon nets had become familiar among fishermen throughout the State.
After the introduction of these boats and nylon nets, the fishermen were slowly beginning to realise the advantage of the use of power boats and synthetic nets and there was a clamour for the supply of these modern equipments all over the State. The 1959 Annual Report states: ‘Although there had been sporadic protests about the use of this gear by persons with vested interests supported by middlemen fish-merchants, there has been a great awakening at all fishing centres about the use of this modern gear.’
Conclusion
It is nature of humanity that not to accept the new technical innovations. Thus a way, mechanized boats were opposed by the people of the Madras State. And when the importance was identified, people have learned the significance of these new technologies. Henceforth the fisher community has engaged with numerous developments in both their financial as well as life style. Fishing industry is one of the most profitable grounds for the Government also. By introducing these boats Government too have been engaging with abundant revenues.
References
- Madras Information, Volume XV, No: 1, Director of Information Publicity, St. George Fort, Madras, January, 1961, p.5.
- Madras Information, Volume XV, No: 1, Director of Information Publicity, St. George Fort, Madras, January, 1961, p.6.
- Madras State Administration Report 1959-60, Department of Fisheries, Government of Madras, Madras, 1961, pp.35-36.
- Madras Information, Volume XIII, No: 6, Director of Information Publicity, St. George Fort, Madras, June, 1959, p.26.
- Tamilselven.Jo. Ullatchi & Meenvazhathurai Manthiri Lourdhammal Simon, Therku Pathipagam, Nagercoil, May 2015, p.44.
- Madras Information, Volume: XIII, No: 6, Director of Information Publicity, St. George Fort, Madras, June, 1959, pp.24-26.