Fish eaters in the study area comprise 47 per cent of the total population ranging from 237 per
cent in Tamil Nadu to 85 per cent in Kerala. Though the position of Tamil Nadu in terms of number of
coastal districts and possession of coast line including the number of landing centres, is envious, the
number of fish eaters in the state is minimal. Andhra Pradesl') employs 32 per cent of its fisherwomen in
fish curing/drying/net making and 27 per cent in processing plant works
