Considering monsoon trawl ban as one of the important regulatory measures
for resource conservation, in Kerala State an analysis was conducted to study
the socio-economic impact of trawl ban to marine fisheries sector. Growth and
instability in landings in the pre and post ban periods were analysed and the
results showed the marine fish landings at a stabilised state with a positive
growth rate of 0.108 % and a lower instability index of 11.4 in the post ban
period. Analysis of the characteristics of ring seine fishery during ban period
showed that nearly 10% of the trawl workers were employed in the ring seine
units. The overall employment loss to fishing, fishing related and non-fishing
activities during the ban period was assessed and policy suggestions given
for alternate employment options for mechanised fisherfolk
