An article (rather just a photograph) about community fishing in The Hindu got us interested and we did a bit of research of our own to know more about couple of community fishing practices in India. One in Tamil Nadu and the other one in Meghalaya.

Karaivalai Meenpidippu:

In Tamil Nadu, there has been a culture of shore fishing or otherwise called ‘Karaivalai Meenpidippu’ in the local parlance. A recent community fishing event took place last month and incidentally, netted a huge harvest of Malabar Trevally Fish (Paarai Meen). The community had gone to fish for anchovies but ended up getting Paarai Meen. The effort was profitable for all those involved as Paarai Meen is sold in the market at Rs. 300 per kilogram.

Umlyngkdait Community:

The Umlyngkdait community belonging to the Umlyngkdait village in Meghalaya have managed to economically uplift themselves through community fishing. The Meghalaya Fisheries department has played a big role in assisting them set up ponds on community land. A freshwater fish harvest reaped is shared among the community. As Meghalaya has a large tract of community land this initiative has managed to become successful. This initiative in an indirect way has had an effect of harmonizing communities.

Interestingly, when it comes to shore fishing in the sea, one may think that this should be an environmentally friendly way of fishing. Trawlers or fishing vessels in the sea cause more damage right? NO.  Apparently, when community fishing in the sea, it affects spawning and as a result depletes the fish in the sea. So, if you think that Karaivalai Meenpidippu as a culture needs to be preserved and protected, then you may want to think again.