Marine Fishing Community in South India and Impacts of Technological Transformation

Abstract

Over the past two decades, India’s marine fisheries sector has experienced significant changes. Adopting various technological interventions has brought substantial changes to the everyday social life of fishing communities, affecting their economic and social well-being. This article provides an ethnographic analysis of how modernized fishing practices have impacted the industry and people’s lives. It is also observed how, partly as a result changing marine ecological conditions introduced further coping mechanisms and adaptive livelihood practices in this fishing community, including gender-based changes. This article articulated recent technological innovations which have led to economic and livelihood distress in small-scale fisheries. There should be a balanced and smooth way of shifting towards these modern technologies, not at the cost of their invaluable knowledge systems and practices, which must be included.