Government of Tamil Nadu Welcomes You

Tamil Nadu with its 1076 km of coastline (15 per cent of the country’s coastline), 0.19 million sq. km. of EEZ (9.7 per cent of the India’s EEZ), and a continental shelf of about 41,412 sq.km. is a leading state in fish production.

The State has a fishermen population of about 6.9 lakhs, of which 2.62 lakhs fishermen are actively engaged in fishing from 591 fishing villages scattered along the coast. There are 1071 primary fishermen co-operative societies, which include 329 inland fishermen and women co-operatives with a membership of 3,56,307 men and 64,623 women members. Presently 10,278 mechanised fishing boats and about 49,000 traditional crafts, of which 20,000 crafts have been motorized with outboard motors, are engaged in marine fishing. There are three major fishing harbours at Chennai, Thoothukudi and Chinnamuttam, two minor fishing harbours at Pazhayar and Valinokkam and seven fish landing centres, which cater to the landing and berthing requirements of the marine fishing fleet.

The inland fisheries sector has about 3,70,000 ha of water spread area, comprising about 52,000 ha of reservoirs, 97,000 ha of major irrigation and long seasonal tanks, 1,58,000 ha short seasonal tanks and ponds and 63,000 ha under estuaries, backwaters and swamps, which are suitable for both capture and culture fisheries. Presently, about 4,000 ha of water spread is being utilised for fresh water aquaculture under the programmes of the Fish Farmers Development Agencies. In shrimp farming, about 2,900 ha area is in use against 4,455 ha developed for coastal aquaculture.

The export of marine products from the State during 2002-2003 amounted to 61,612 metric tones valued at Rs.2,181.32 Crores.

The Department of Fisheries has two objectives – developing and conserving the fishery resources and to ameliorate the socio economic conditions of the fisher folk in the State who depend upon fishery as the major sources of livelihood. The State policy aims at overall development of fisheries and welfare of fishermen community on the following lines.

In Tamil Nadu, the vast potential available in marine and inland fisheries (including aquaculture) is yet to be optimally exploited for augmenting fish production. The Honourable Chief Minister’s 15 Point Programme was announced during 2002-2003, which inter alia includes the objectives of improving fish production and biodiversity in the inland and marine waters and thereby improving the social and economic status of the poor fishermen and fish farmers.

On 18.7.2002, the Hon’ble Chief Minister had launched the Fisheries Development Mission at Ramanathapuram and released the Fisheries Development Mission document. The Fisheries Development Mission aims at giving fillip to the production of inland and marine fisheries for increased domestic consumption and export in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Mission aims at increasing the production of inland fish through innovative measures such as fisheries development in reservoirs, tanks and ponds, besides attending to the socio-economic welfare of the artisan and small-scale fisher-folk in the State.

The rationale for Fisheries Development Mission in the State is to enhance production of fish and sustain the productivity of fishermen, fish farmers and fishing industry; sustain livelihoods and generate further employment for coastal and rural poor; improve the socio-economic conditions of the traditional fishermen and fish farmers; protect the interests of the traditional fishing communities improve the technology and asset-base of the traditional fisher-folk and augment fish production for both domestic and export markets. The important programmes under the Fisheries Development Mission are:-

(1)	Integrated approach to reservoir fisheries development
(2)	Popularisation of integrated fish farming in tanks and ponds
(3)	Development of coastal areas for aquaculture
(4)	Development of coastal marine fisheries
	(i) Stock enhancement
	(ii) Artificial reefs
(5)	Post-harvest support and marketing
	(i) Development of harbours and fish landing centres
	(ii) Retail marketing infrastructure
(6)	Sea safety measures
	(i) Life floats
	(ii) GPS sets
(7)	Strengthening of R & D facilities

The Mission Programme outlined above will be implemented during the next five years at an estimated cost of Rs.6107.50 lakhs.

Further the Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated the Sea Ranching Programme and about 2.00 lakhs shrimp seed reared in the pen erected at Vedalai in Ramanathapuram District were released into the sea. The different programmes chartered under Fisheries Development Mission will be implemented during 2002-07 in a phased manner.

This Scheme extends financial assistance to fishermen in motorisation of traditional crafts by installation of inboard engines and outboard motors in Vallams and Catamarans. Under this scheme, 50% of the total cost of the engine will have to be borne by the beneficiary and the remaining 50% of the engine cost subject to a ceiling of Rs.12,000 for inboard engine and Rs.10,000 for outboard motor will be given as subsidy which will be equally shared by both State and Centre. During 2002-2003, 604 engines were supplied under this scheme. This scheme is being continued.

The growing dependence on the fishery resources in the inshore areas leads to conflict between the traditional and mechanised fishermen, often ending with law and order problems. The Tamil Nadu Marine Fisheries Regulation Act 1983 and rules needs to be amended to suit the present condition to avert clashes. The Government will take immediate steps to amend the provisions of the Act and Rules keeping in view of the present needs.

Along with excess fishing pressure in the inshore region, the coastal fish habitants are also affected by the industrial, urban and agricultural pollution, landfill, damming and diversion of rivers, reduction in mangrove cover, sedimentation, etc. Together, these anthropogenic activities have adversely affected the fish stocks, resulting in reduced recruitment and diminishing fish populations.

In order to address the problems of over-exploitation and depleting resources, sea ranching of commercial shrimp species is being launched under Fisheries Development Mission. Under this it is proposed to undertake Sea Ranching of 100 million post-larvae of commercially important shrimp species every year for the total Mission period of 5 years i.e. between 2002-2007. This programme will be carried out from the following 10 centres.

An artificial reef is a recycled, underwater habitant for marine life and is helpful in increasing the productivity of the ecosystem. It has been widely recognized that installation of artificial reefs would be helpful for the artisan fishermen to exploit the fish stocks without spending much time and energy. Moreover, the man-made reefs constructed today can still be used functional for decades. Hence it is proposed to install 10 artificial reefs in the following selected sites along the coast of Tamil Nadu at a depth of 10 to 25 metres during the Mission period.

1.	Panaiyur Periakuppam	Kancheepuram District
2.	Kadapakkam	Kancheepuram District
3.	Thazanguda	Cuddalore District
4.	Kodiakarai	Nagapattinam District
5.	Kodimunai	Kanyakumari District
6.	Manthiripattinam	Thanjavur District
7.	Valinokkam	Ramanathapuram District
8.	Punnakayal	Thoothukkudi District
9.	Manapadu	Thoothukkudi District
10.	Perumanal	Tirunelveli District

There have been growing instances of our fishermen being fired upon by the Srilankan Navy for inadvertently crossing the invisible International Boundary Line in the sea. Proposals have been sent to Government of India for installing Marker buoys with beacon lights from Nagapattinam to Thoothukudi District along the coastal line of 240 nautical miles and the same will be installed after getting approval of Government of India.

The Gulf of Mannar is located on the southeastern tip of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Gulf is known to harbour rich marine biodiversity of global significance. The Gulf’s estimated 3600 species of flora and fauna make it one of the richest coastal regions in India.

The Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu have designated the coastal marine area of the Gulf of Mannar as a National Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is comprised of a 560 sq. km core area of coral islands and shallow marine habitat, surrounded by a 10 km wide, 160 km long buffer zone. It is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve not only in India, but also in all South and Southeast Asia. The Reserve has been selected as an international priority site based on criteria such as biophysical and ecological uniqueness, economic, social, cultural, scientific importance, national and global significance.

The local communities associated with Reserve’s buffer zone have to adopt sustainable alternative sources of livelihoods, thereby reducing pressure on the park. Hence Department of Fisheries in consultation with Department of Environment and Forests initiate schemes on demonstration of sustainable fishing techniques and development of sustainable and need based alternative livelihood for local stake holders. Proper training and awareness will be given to stake holders especially to fisher folks to enhance opportunities for their total commitment in conservation efforts.

Chinnamuttom fishing harbour at Kanniyakumari constructed at a cost of Rs.6.84 crores under Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being utilized by the fishermen. Action will be taken for construction of Second Phase extension work to enable additional berthing facilities to mechanised boats.

As requested by Government of India a revised estimate for construction of a fishing harbour at Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram, District has been prepared and sent to Government of India for approval. Action is being taken to get the environment clearance for this project. Further, for development of Pazhayar Fishing Harbour Stage II at a total cost of Rs.10.60 crores is under the consideration of Government of India. Action is being taken for getting the required lands transferred from Forest Department for implementing this scheme.

For the establishment of fishing harbour at Poompuhar In Nagapattinam District at a total cost of Rs.40 crores with financial assistance from State and Central Governments, action is being taken for conducting model studies.

For the establishment of a fishing harbour at Thengapattinam in Kanniyakumari District a report on the model study has been received and a detailed estimate and design for the fishing harbour project is under preparation. For the establishment of a Fishing Harbour at Muttom in Kanniyakumari District under BOOT (Build, Operate, Own and Transfer) system is under consideration of the Government.

The Government of India have conveyed their administrative approval for construction of 10 fish landing centres with all infrastructure facilities in Tamil Nadu at a total cost of Rs.1323.20 lakhs. Out of the 10 selected places, the work has been commenced at 7 places. The revised administrative approval of the Govt. of India for change of site in 2 places and change in components in one place is awaited.

Due to adverse weather condition like cyclone, water current and engine failure, the mechanised fishing boats and crew cross the International Boundary Line, get drifted and stranded in Srilankan waters. For crossing the International Boundary Line they are taken into the custody by Srilankan Authority. In the absence of the breadwinner, the families of those fishermen experience difficulties to run their family. In order to alleviate the sufferings of those families, the family of the fisherman is given Rs.50/- per day till the fisherman returns home. In order to provide immediate relief to fishermen families, Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs each to 8 District Collectors of Nagapattinam Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari for paying relief to the families of fishermen captured by foreign countries while fishing. This scheme will be extended during this financial year to the Tamilnadu fishermen who are arrested by neighbouring countries.

2.4.2. Assistance to the families of deceased fishermen subjected to attack by Srilankan Navy

The fishermen of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari Districts are fishing in the Indian territorial waters. On certain occasions they happen to cross the IBL (International Boundary Line) inadvertently and at times due to engine failure and adverse weather conditions they are drifted into Srilankan waters. Such Indian fishermen crossing the IBL are subjected to attack by the Srilankan Navy. All such incidents are brought to the notice of the Government of India in order to take up the matter with the Govt. of Srilanka. In order to enable the immediate disbursement of relief amount of Rs..1.00 lakh to the family of the deceased fishermen who had been fired upon by Srilankan Navy, the Collectors of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukkudi, and Kanniyakumari have been directed to release the same from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund of Rs. 5.00 lakhs allotted to them and get it recouped. This scheme will be continued during 2003-2004 also.

In marine fishing, the number of loss of life caused by accidents is increasing day by day. Hence provision of life jackets / life floats to the marine fishermen is under consideration of the Government.

The Inland Fishery policy will focus in maximising the fish production utilising available inland water resources such as major reservoirs, major and minor irrigation tanks, village ponds and tanks, etc. which will focus on scientific freshwater aquaculture management and quality seed production. The reservoir fisheries management is undertaken in 45 reservoirs by the Tamilnadu Fisheries Department and in 9 reservoirs by the Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation. The Department has also taken over about 32,000 ha. of major and minor irrigation tanks for stocking with major carp seeds and exploiting with the help of local fishermen. About 5000 ha. of village ponds and tanks is being developed to adopt composite fish culture technique through Fish Farmers Development Agencies.

The fish seed requirement of Catla, rohu, mrigal and common carp for stocking in the waters are met from the Fish Farms of Department whereas the requirements for Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation is being met by the above agency themselves. The seeds are produced and reared upto-stocking size in fish farms operated by the Department, In Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation 428.090 lakhs fingerlings have been produced (as on 31.12.2002). Apart from this, 84 private fish seed farms in the State are producing 600 lakhs fingerlings per annum which caters to the need of private farmers / farms and of farms under the control of Panchayat Unions.

Tamil Nadu experience Southwest and Northeast monsoon, the former is suitable for fish seed production, as the water bodies receive copious supply of water only in Northeast monsoon. In order to overcome the mismatch between seed production and stocking it has been proposed to propagate among the fish farmers cage rearing of fresh water seeds in the river and in perennial irrigation canal without detrimental to free flow of water for irrigation. This, not only make available the required number of fish seed but also enable the inland farmers to earn additional income on sustainable basis.

During the Tenth Five Year Plan period, the inland fish production is to be increased by 10% annually. To achieve this goal, the Government has embarked on a “Fisheries Development Mission”. This Mission have evolved strategies and to implement suitable measures such as integrated approach to reservoir fisheries development, popularization of integrated fish farming in tanks and ponds.

In Tamil Nadu the rivers and steams particularly flowing in the Western Ghat regions have rich diversity of fish fauna. Some of the fish species are well suited both biologically and economically for aquaculture purposes. Some of the species have good export demand because of its ornamental excellence. These endemic fish varieties have been neglected for long time. Some of the endemic fishes can be an ideal species for fresh water aquaculture substituting the carp culture.

Hence the Government have planned to chalk out programmes to conserve and propagate these endemic fish varieties in collaboration with the research and academic institutes in the State.

Tamilnadu has a total of 56,000 ha of potential shrimp farming area. Though a total of 4455 ha have been developed in the State for shrimp farming, yet only 2900 ha are in use.

On the direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, The Aquaculture Authority has been constituted to regularize the shrimp aqua farms. To assist the Aquaculture Authority, the State Level Committee and District Level Committees have been constituted. There are 2778 shrimp aqua farms in the State. Out of this, prawn culture is carried on in 1846 ponds. For sanctioning of licence to the aqua farms, the State Level Committee will scrutinize the applications received from District Level Committees and forward these applications to the Aquaculture Authority. So far applications in respect of 1271 farms have been received out of which 297 approvals have been issued and 269 cases are pending with Aquaculture Authority. The State Level Committee rejected 99 cases as they are developed in Government Poromboke lands. 606 applications are under consideration of District Level Committee.

The Department of Fisheries proposed to develop additional 1000 ha annually for a total period of 5 years under the Fisheries Development Mission.

There are 2 Research Stations in Tamilnadu at Chennai and Thoothukudi. Research is going on in 15 projects, which were cleared by the State Fisheries Research Council in June, 1998. Main focus of the research is to aid development of Fisheries sector through applied research. Fisheries Department would be co-ordinating with the Central Institutes viz., Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and the Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi. Some of the thrust areas where the research is being carried out by the Department are

The Government reconstituted the Research Council during 2001 for a period of three years. The progress made in the research projects will be reviewed by the Council and new projects will be allotted for a further period of 3 years in the ensuing Research Council Meeting.

Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme (80:20) Government of India have given the administrative approval on Fisheries Training and Extension Scheme at a total outlay of Rs.70.55 lakhs during the year 2001-2002. Initially the Government of India have released a sum of Rs.20.00 lakhs. The Government of Tamilnadu have sanctioned their matching grant of Rs.5.00lakhs. Under this scheme, so far 420 fish farmers have been trained during the year 2002-03.

Action is being taken to construct one awareness centre at Neelankarai in Kancheepuram District and 3 training centres at Vanianchavadi in Kancheepuram District, Killai in Cuddalore District and Manimuthar in Tirunelveli District in order to impart training to fish farmers both in Brackishwater and Inland Fisheries.

With a view to make available adequate trained manpower, for the operation and maintenance of the mechanized boats and to operate modern fishing gear, the fisherboys are given training for 10 months in four places in the State at Nagapattinam, Mandapam, Thoothukudi and Colachel. Each Centre is to impart training to 50 to 60 fisherboys. Besides this, a Junior Mechanic course is also conducted in these training centres. Monthly stipend of Rs.200/- is paid to each of the selected trainee.

As on 31.3.2002, 742 Marine Fishermen / Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies with 3,56,307 members, 329 Inland Fishermen / Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies with 64,623 members, 11 District Fishermen Co-operative Federation with 846 members are functioning in the State. One Apex Cooperative Federation with 471 members, 4 marine Cooperative unions with 85 members and 15 other types of Fishermen Co-operative Societies with 2783 members are also functioning in the State. These Societies constitute an important agency for the upliftment of fishermen / fisherwomen community in the State.

With the Fishermen welfare as the top most items in the Fisheries agenda of this Government, the following schemes would continue to receive the support and thrust of this Government during this year also.

Government have sanctioned 20,000 houses during the year 1996-97 to 2000-01. As on 31.3.2001 only 15,164 houses were completed. Out of the remaining incomplete houses, 3318 houses were completed during the two years period from 1.4.2001 to 31.3.2003 with the financial sanction of Rs.1174.45 lakhs. A sum of Rs.239.00 lakhs has been sanctioned during this financial year for completion of the balance houses.

During the year 2001-2002, Government have sanctioned 2000 houses under the Centrally Sponsored Model Fishermen Villages Scheme and 2000 houses under the State Scheme and the construction work is in progress.

Further Government have decided to construct 4000 houses every year with financial assistance from Government of India.

To alleviate the sufferings of Marine fishermen of coastal areas during the lean seasons, the Government is implementing Savings-cum-Relief Scheme for fishermen of Tamilnadu.

Under this scheme as per the Govt. of India norms each fisherman will contribute Rs.75/- per month. During the current year Rs.75/- p.m. shall be collected from each fisherman for 8 months and the State and Central Government will contribute Rs.37.50 each as their share for every month. The sum of Rs.150/-p.m. consisting of contribution from beneficiaries, the State and Central Government collected for 8 months amounting to Rs.1200/- will be disbursed to the fishermen at Rs.300/- per month during the four lean months. In Tamilnadu 1,97,000 fishermen are benefitted by this scheme.

Under this scheme, the State and Central Government will equally contribute the annual Insurance premium of Rs.14/-. No premium is collected from the fishermen. Under this scheme, the fishermen will be given Rs.50,000/- for death / permanent disablement and Rs.25,000/- for partial disablement.

Under this scheme, the premium shall be contributed by the fishermen / fisherwomen as follows:

Sl.

No.

Premium to be remitted by the Fishermen / Fisherwomen

Relief given for Death / disablement

Fishermen – Rs.24/-

Fisherwomen – Rs.20/-

Rs.1 lakh

Fishermen – Rs.60/-

Fisherwomen – Rs.50/-

Rs.2.5 lakhs

It is proposed to implement the following 5 schemes under Part II 2003-2004 at a total cost of Rs.31.70 lakhs. The details of the Schemes and financial implications are given below.

(i) Tamil Nadu Fisheries Departmental Water bodies need 367.60 lakhs fingerlings. It is proposed to use cage culture in all water bodies. This will narrow down the demand and supply gap in fish seed production and fish production. Hence it is proposed to purchase and erect 100 cages at an estimated cost of Rs.5.00 lakhs during 2003-2004.

(ii) It is proposed to take up fresh water prawn culture in the breeder ponds of National Fish Seed Farm at Bhavanisagar as a trial measure during 2003-2004 at a cost of Rs.8.00 lakhs which includes the cost of repair and modification of breeder ponds and the operational cost.

(iii) Though the culture technology of sea bass has already been perfected, it has not reached the gross root level. It is proposed to implement a pilot project viz demonstration of commercial farming of sea bass in two of the brackish water ponds one at Vaniyanchavadi, Kancheepuram District and other farm at Parangipettai, Cuddalore District at cost of Rs.3.70 lakhs during 2003-2004.

(iv) The fishermen of Thengaipattinam village and its surrounding areas are demanding that some facilities are to be provided for the safe landing and berthing of their fishing vessels during fishing season. The IHH, Poondi in association with NIOT, Chennai have conducted the required numerical and physical model studies at Thengaipattinam and furnished a report. Based on the above studies, it is proposed to conduct preliminary investigation such as soil testing, surveying, and soundings at a cost Rs.5.00 lakhs for the year 2003-2004.

(v) Marketing of hygienic fish is gaining importance. The fresh fish generally spoils quickly between 1 to 8 hours after their catch at atmospheric temperature and hence it has to be cooked and consumed or processed and stored within 8 hours. Failure to keep fish cool immediately after harvesting will accentuate spoilage at a later stage in its distribution. The major chunk of the fish harvested is sold in the landing centre and nearby areas in unhygienic condition by the road side vendors which not only make the consumers reluctant to buy but also gives minimum returns to the producers and the small traders. To educate the small vendors about the quality conscious on the fish sold and to develop suitable fish marketing infrastructure it is proposed to supply 250 units of insulated container with display facilities for hygienic marketing of fish to the road side vendors at a cost of Rs.10.00 lakhs during 2003-2004.

The Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., was established in 1974 as a State owned undertaking. The authorised share capital is Rs.500 lakhs and the paid up share capital is Rs.445.52 lakhs.

The following reservoirs are under the management of the Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., in which systematic stocking of fish seeds is done. Harvesting of fish is done by engaging local fishermen who are entitled for the value of 1/3 of the catches as their share.

(1) Sathanur dam (2) Bhavanisagar (3) Amaravathy (4) Aliyar (5) Thirumoorthy (6) Uppar (7) Palar-Porandalar (8) Perumpallam

During the year 2002-2003, 270 Tonnes of fish were landed from the reservoirs under the control of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. The revenue realization is Rs.142.39 lakhs (including lease income). Out of the above eight reservoirs, Bhavanisagar, and Palar-Porandalar reservoirs have been leased out to private entrepreneurs. Action is being taken to lease out Amaravathy, Tirumoorthy and Perumpallam and Uppar Reservoirs.

The Corporation is managing two fish seed production and rearing centres, one at Sathanur dam and another at Aliyar and fish seed rearing centres at Amaravathy, Thirumoorthy, Palar-Porandalar and Uppar. Fish seeds produced here are stocked in the reservoirs managed by the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation in addition to supplying of fish seeds to the Fisheries Department, Fish Farmers Development Agencies and private farmers. During 2002-2003, 129 lakhs of fish seeds were produced and supplied.

The Corporation is in possession of four Ice Plants / Processing Plants. The processing / Ice Plants at Mandapam and Thoothukudi have been leased out to private parties.

At present, the Corporation is operating 20 Diesel outlets in the Fishing Harbours and jetties like Chennai, Mallipattinam, Thoothukudi, Pazhayar, etc. for the benefit of mechanised fishing boat operators and fishermen. During 2002-2003, a total quantity of 19,384 K.L. of diesel and oil was sold and earned a commission of Rs. 74.32 lakhs. Based on the overwhelming response to the scheme, it is proposed to open diesel at Thirumullaivasal, Pulicat etc.

The Corporation is marketing fresh and fried fish in the cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Tiruvannamalai etc. through retail outlets. During 2002-2003, 489 tonnes. of fish were sold and Rs.229.27 lakhs was realised.

A fish net making factory with a production capacity of 75 tonnes per annum is functioning at Royapuram. During the year 2002-2003, 33.50 tonnes of Nylon nets were sold to fishermen for Rs.76.57 lakhs.

The Corporation is in possession of a shrimp hatchery at Neelankarai near Chennai. Part of the facilities was provided to National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for the project on “Marine Living Resources Enhancement Programme”. There is a proposal to lease out the hatchery for Rs.3.00 lakhs to Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture sponsored by Marine Products Export Development Authority.

The pearl culture project and pearl oyster hatchery at Mandapam have been leased out to private party for Rs.3.41 lakhs per year.

A model shrimp farm has been set up at Karangadu and it has been leased out to a private party, for Rs.5.05 lakhs.

Under the assistance received from the Government of Tamilnadu, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation has set up ornamental fish production centres at Aliyar and Tirumoorthy Nagar. An ornamental fish sales centre-cum-aquarium is functioning at Aliyar Nagar. Two ornamental fish sales centres are functioning at Chennai. During the year 2002-2003, a sum of Rs.11.22 lakhs was realized as income towards the sale of ornamental fish and accessories.

Under the assistance received from the Government of India, the scheme on “Marketing of value added fish products from Low Value fishes” is being implemented.

The Tamilnadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative Federation was registered under Tamilnadu Cooperative Societies Act of 1983 and started functioning from 6.11.1991 with Headquarters at Chennai. About 566 primary Fishermen Co-operative Society and 9 District Fishermen Cooperative Federations have become members in TAFCOFED and have paid Rs.88.96 lakhs as share capital with a view to uplift the socio-economic status of traditional fishermen TAFCOFED had been implementing IMFDP under Phase-I with a revised project cost of Rs.1699.047 lakhs in 78 fishing villages of 5 coastal districts with financial assistance from NCDC. So far, a sum of Rs.1361.35 lakhs has been spent under Phase-I for the supply of 2108 units of fishing inputs to 4234 fishermen on loan basis with 25% subsidy. Under this scheme financial assistance as loan with 25% subsidy has also been disbursed for the purchase of 118 numbers of two wheelers to the members of 19 primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies.

Further, share capital loan without interest to the extent of Rs.19.50 lakhs has been disbursed by TAFCOFED under Phase-I to the members of 24 Primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies to meet the expenditure of marketing activities viz. sale of fish, engine spare parts and diesel etc.

The Phase-II Programme was started from 1.4.98 in 13 coastal districts of Tamilnadu State. It has been planned to distribute 3565 inputs to100 villages to the tune of Rs.4506.250 lakhs. Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.800.620 lakhs for the first year. Out of this, Rs.562.850 lakhs have been spent for sanction of loan to 1416 fishermen who belong to 57 Primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies. So far 522 fishing inputs were distributed with 25% subsidy to the above said fishermen.

It has been proposed to carry out the Schemes during the second year with an outlay of Rs.953.919 lakhs and the Government have released a sum Rs.500.00 lakhs for Phase II second year funds.