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Use of indigenous knowledge by coastal fisher folk of Mumbai district in

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Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(2), April 2007, pp.378-382

Use of indigenous knowledge by coastal fisher folk of Mumbai district in

Maharashtra
Nirmale VH1, Sontakki BS2, Biradar RS1, Metar SY* & Charatkar SL1
1
Central Institute of Fisheries Education, 7 Bungalows, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai 400 061,
2
National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad 40, Andhra Pradesh; 3Marine Biological
Research Station, Pethkilla, Ratnagiri 415 612, Maharashtra
Email: vivekkop10@rediffmail.com
Received 28 June 2005; revised 6 November 2006

The benefit of indigenous knowledge can be harnessed and improved upon by appropriating it, establishing legitimacy
of such knowledge and integrating it with development programmes. Against this background, the study was attempted to
explore the indigenous knowledge of fisher folk of Mumbai district. The data were gathered through interview of fishers
using a semi-structured interview schedule and personal non-participant observation. Indigenous knowledge was
documented for the various aspects of fishery management. The fishers use indigenous materials and methods for
construction, fabrication and maintenance of fishing crafts and gears. They were found to use indigenous knowledge to
locate fishing grounds, to predict cyclones/storms, to preserve and process the fish caught.

Key Words: Indigenous knowledge, Fisher folk, Fishing crafts, Mumbai, Maharashtra
IPC Int. Cl.8: A23B4/00, A47G21/02, A47G21/06, A01K63/00, A 01K 61/00, A01K67/00

Indigenous knowledge is the knowledge that people in this calls for concerted efforts to systematically
a given community have developed over time and document the indigenous knowledge in coastal
continue to develop. It is based on experience, often fisheries and establish their scientific rationale. In
practiced over centuries, adapted to local culture & realization of this need, the study was planned and
environment and dynamic. Indigenous knowledge has carried out with the specific objectives to document
recently become the topic of research in both social the indigenous knowledge of coastal fishers about
and biological science like fisheries. In fisheries, there various aspects of fishery management and to analyze
is need to understand and study extensively the the fishers’ rationale behind the use of the indigenous
indigenous knowledge shared by a particular fisher knowledge.
community. Fishers harness the resources of the
environment in such a way that a viable relationship Methodology
with it is established1. Solutions to fisheries lie The study was conducted in the purposively
outside the sector2. This assertion underscores the selected Mumbai district of Maharashtra State, as it is
necessity to understand the complexities of a fishing one of the maritime districts, where traditional
community before any intervention designed to uplift operation of bag-net and gill net forms important
its standard of living is recommended and fishery. Greater Mumbai district of Maharashtra has a
implemented. It is important to identify the different coastline of 80 km and continental shelf area of 2,800
groups that have stakes in changes that occur in sq km. There are 23 coastal fishing villages in the
institutional arrangements and access to the district and two fishing harbours. The fishermen
resources3. Finally fisheries management would population of the district is 34,580, out of which
benefit from fishers time tested practices. Political, 4,023 fishermen are active5. The data were collected
economic, social and cultural aspects of a fishery from five randomly selected fishing villages of the
severely restrict the effectiveness of the management district. These villages were Malwani, Erangalbhati,
programmes based solely on the biology of stocks4. Khardanda, Sassoon Dock and Jamshedji Bunder.
One must understand fish as well as fishermen. All From each of the selected villages, ten fishermen
______________
who were resorting to traditional fishing practices
* Corresponding author were randomly selected as respondents for the study.
 NIRMALE et al.: INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF COASTAL FISHER FOLK OF MUMBAI 379

Keeping in view the objectives of the study and Majority has large (74%) and nuclear (84%) families.
qualitative nature of the data involved, exploratory More than four-fifth respondents (86%) live in pucca
survey research design was employed for the study. houses suggesting thereby that majority of fishers
Accordingly, a combination of personal interview and earn fairly to sustain a living in a pucca house (Table
non-participant observation methods were used for 1). Majority of boats (56%) meant for bag-net fishery,
data collection. A semi-structured and pre-tested gillnetting and traditional trawling are constructed of
interview schedule was used for data recording in teak wood (Tectona grandis). The large teakwood
addition to the researchers’ personal notes and other boats are just right for carrying the large shoals of
documentary evidences supporting the data. The Bombay duck, which are available close to the shore,
respondents were contacted either at the fisheries co- as the continental shelf is wide off this part of the
operative society, home or at the landing center. coast. Teakwood is sturdy and durable. It is able to
sustain swift currents for a long time. While 34% are
Results and discussion constructed of combination of teak wood and babul
Majority of the respondents (56%) belonged to the (Acacia arabica) in which teak wood is used for
middle age category followed by 26% and 18% in old constructing keel and lower hull of the fishing craft
and young categories, respectively (Table 1). Thus, it while babul is used for upper planks and deck beams.
could be inferred that nearly six out of every ten Fishers opined that babul wood has flexibility that can
fishermen of Mumbai district are of middle age. absorb shock without breaking easily. About 10% of
Majority is married (88%). Nearly half of the fishers practicing long lining used a combination of
respondents (46%) had a formal schooling up to teakwood and mango tree wood (Mangifera indica)
primary level, while 18% of them were educated up to for their crafts. Teakwood is used for upper hull and
high school. Majority of respondents were literate and mango wood is used for keel and lower hull. Fishers
have better access to schooling. Nearly two-third expressed that entire keel can be carved out from
respondents (66 %) have up to 20 years of experience single mango tree wood. The choice of wood for
in fishing while rest one-third (34%) has experience construction depends on location needs for required
of mare than 20 years. This suggests that in fishing strength, availability of construction material,
the middle-aged fishers are actively involved. convenience in building and cost factor.
Table 1⎯ Profile characteristics of the respondents Fishers’ operating bag-net use mechanized crafts of
Profile Categories Respondents (n = 50)
OAL varying from 5.5m to 12m with width between
characteristics 2.4m to 5m and depth 1.2m to 1.75m. These boats are
Frequency Percentage of “U” or “V” shaped. They are fitted with 20-64
Age Young 09 18 .00 horsepower engines. The fish hold capacity is about
(up to 30 years) 1-2 tons. Fishers operating gill nets used mechanized
Middle aged 28 56.00 fishing crafts with OAL ranging from 4.5-12 m and
(31 to 50 years)
Old 13 26.00 width 0.9-3.7 m. They have depth of 0.9-1.75 m.
(more than 50 years) These boats are fitted with 16-48 horsepower engines.
Marital status Unmarried 06 12.00 The fish hold capacity is around 1-1.5 tons. Fishers
Married 44 88.00 operating traditional trawlers also use mechanized
Education Illiterate 08 16.00
Read and write 10 20.00
fishing crafts of OAL 5.5-7.6 m with width between
Primary school 23 46.00 1.2-2.75 m. The depth varies from 0.75-1.2 m. These
High school 09 18.00 crafts are fitted with 20-36 horsepower engines and
Type of family Nuclear family 42 84.00 have fish holding capacity of one ton. Long line
Joint family 08 16.00 operating fishers also employed mechanized fishing
Size of family Small 16 32.00
(<4 members) crafts of OAL between 3.6 to 6 m, width between 0.6-
Large 34 68.00 1.9 m and depth from 0.6-1.2 m. They are fitted with
(>4 members) around 28 horsepower engines. They also have fish
Experience in Up to 10 years 13 26.00 holding capacity of one ton. The dimensions of the
fishing 11 to 20 years 20 40.00
More than 20 years 17 34.00
fishing crafts vary according to the suitability in
Type of house Pucca house 43 86.00 operating the number and the particular type of
Thatched hut 07 14.00 fishing gear in the given environment, fish resources,
380 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 6, No. 2, APRIL 2007

depth of operation, cost of construction and Trammel nets are three layered nets and are known
availability of construction materials and fishers’ as shahenshah nets. These nets are used to catch
experience based on continuous trial and error. prawns. These nets prevent the escape of prawns by
Depending on the requirements, the fishing crafts are forming a type of purse. The mesh size for inner net is
invariably given treatment of chandrus (a type of about 50 mm and for outer nets it is around 150 mm.
resin) and oil (groundnut) mixed in one-third or one- It is operated at about 10 m depth. The net is operated
fourth ratio (chandrus: oil), boiled for 3-4 hours and during 5-8 am. Drift gill nets are used for catching
then sprinkled hot on the craft using an earthen dish. pomfrets (Pampus argentus, Stromatidae), and
This treatment is done 2-3 times a year to give the seerfish (Scomberomorus commersoni, Scombridae).
craft strength and to increase its durability. Chandrus, They are operated at 27-60 m depth. The mesh size
a type of resin extracted from trees unknown to varies from 120 mm for pomfret to about 150-200
fishers and oil when boiled form a sticky liquid of mm for seer fish. Drift gill nets are generally operated
good strength, which gives compactness to the wood. during 6 pm to 6am. Bottoms set gill nets are used for
But this is hypothetical and further study is required catching sharks (Scoliodon sp., Carcharhinidae),
to find out various properties of chandrus. catfishes (Tachysurus sp., Aries sp., Ariidae), lobsters
Adhesiveness, insolubility in water, plasticity, (Panulirus sp. Palinuridae), crabs (Scylla serrata,
vitreosity, poisoning properties are qualities, which Neptunus sp. Portunidae), etc. Their mesh size varies
apply to a greater or lesser extent to all resins6. from 75-200 mm. They are operated at 5-35 m depth,
during 5.30-8.30 am. The traditional trawls are used
Bag-net is the major fishing gear in the district as to catch prawns, anchovies, etc. They are hauled
the maximum percentage of the respondents from the manually. The length of traditional trawl varies from
district (44%) operate bag-net. Gill-net (32%) was the 7.5-30 m with width between 3.6-12 m and height
second most commonly operated fishing gear from 2.5-3.6 m. They are operated at 12-20 m depth.
followed by long-lines (14%) and traditional trawl The mesh size varies from 25 mm at mouth to 10 mm
(10%). Bag net is also called as dol net (Fig. 1). It is at cod end. The long line ropes are divided into 10-30
well suited to localities along the Mumbai coast. The parts with each part varying in length from 105-220 m
net is basically a large conical bag with mouth portion and 60-120 hooks are suspended per part. Different
rectangular in shape and end portion tapering. The hooks are used such as No.3, No.7, No.9, and etc.
mouth of the net faces the current to filter the water with respect to the target species sought. They are
and retain the fish. It is reversed when the tide essentially set long lines. The catch comprises
recedes. Generally, a group of two-three nets are set catfishes such as Arius sp., sharks of Scoliodon sp.,
broadly in parallel rows at different depth levels eels, spotted grouper (Epinephalus macalutus,
between 10-36 m depths. At the beginning of fishing Serranidae), Indian salmon (Eleutherinema
season (September), most of the boats operate their tetradactylum, Polinemidae), etc. They are fabricated
nets in shallower waters. As the season progresses of cotton fibre and operated at a depth of 10m to 45m.
they move to deeper waters where they continue to They are operated during 4am to 7pm and also during
fish till late may or early June. The length of the net 6am to 11.30am.
varies from 45-64 m, width between 24-37 m and
height between 9-11m. The net has mesh size of about To ensure the durability of long line cotton ropes
280 mm at mouth to 5 mm at end. Dol net is made of they are subjected to coloration (Fig. 2). For this
five parts having different parts having different purpose the bark of Ain (Pterocarpus hirsute,
length and mesh sizes. The number of meshes and Fabaceae) tree is soaked into water for about three
mesh size increases from cod end to mouth. Its main days. The ropes are then immersed into the water
catch comprises of Bombay duck (Harpodon properly for a while. They are then dried in sunlight
nehereus, Harpadontidae), ribbon fishes (Trichiurus for three days. The bark consists of tannin, a
lepturus, Trichiuridae), penaeid and non-penaeid substance that is generally used for colouration and
prawns, etc. The number of time it is operated dyeing. The use of bark of various trees for tanning of
depends upon the magnitude of the tide i.e., two times nets is reported in Southeast Asia. Several tree species
against diurnal tides and four times against producing resinous bark for tanning fishnets have
semidiurnal tides. Thus tidal currents play an been reported7. Eugenia palembanica bark is used for
important role in success of dol net operation. tanning nets in Penang in Malaysia. Sun drying is the
 NIRMALE et al.: INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF COASTAL FISHER FOLK OF MUMBAI 381

commonly followed method of fish preservation. observation where incoming tides are affected by
Fishes such as Bombay ducks and ribbonfishes are artificial structures such as construction of
invariably dried on bamboo platform (Fig. 3). The embankment. Most fishers (65%) operating gill nets
fishers are well aware of the peculiar morphological observe that more fish catch is fetched during
characteristics of the fish and utilize the same to transition period between tides. Because the gill nets
facilitate the drying. Bombay ducks are hung to get disturbed due to increased water force during high
platform by inserting the sharp teeth of two fishes into tide. While some observe good catch to gill nets
each other while the ribbonfishes are hung to the during high tide. Gill nets catch active fish that swims
platform by tying loose knot of caudal fins of two into the net. Faster currents might increase this
fishes due to its long tails. The drying is carried out activity.
for three days. This type of drying ensures uniform All the fishers operating the bag net stated that
and three-dimensional drying without external more fish are caught during 12th day to 3rd day of lunar
contamination8. Prawns (Acetus indicus), popularly cycle, i. e. between Dwadashi to Tritiya of lunar
known as jawala, are dried on gunny bags on a month (calendar), while the fish catch is moderate
cement floor/grounds nearby creek / beaches for about during 9th day (Navmi) to 11th day (Ekadashi) of lunar
four hrs. Fishers also opined that fishes dried during cycle. This is because there is more water current
the winter season are of good quality than those dried during these days, which create faster currents
during summer although drying is somewhat longer. resulting in more filtration. Fishers reported very less
Three fourths of the respondents (76%) opined that catch during 4th day (Chaturthi) to 8th day (Astami) of
wind blowing from north direction (generally during lunar cycle. There is due to very less force to water
the months of October to March, locally known as during these days and tides generate very slow
Upercha vara) is favorable as it brings more fish. currents. At these times, least difference between low
While equal number of fishers opined that the wind and high tide is noted. The fishery makes exclusive
blowing from south direction (usually during August use of tidal energy to ensure success and lunar cycle
to September and known as Hetcha vara) is not good thus plays a vital role in its operation. As high as 84%
as less fish are caught. Fishers observe the present and fishers report less catch to the gill nets during new
near past winds and utilize past experiences of the moon day and full moon day. This also can be
winds and of the relationship between wind and fish attributed to the disturbance caused by increased
availability for their tactical fishing decisions. This water force. When the moon is full or new, the pull of
knowledge pertains mostly to local conditions and the sun on the water is nearly in the same line as that
cannot be generalized. Almost equal percentage of of moon. Thus the effect is combined causing
respondents believed that high tide results in more unusually high tides. Large majority of respondents
catch to the dol net (69%) and less fish catch to the (94%) opined that muddy water yields more fish catch
long line. This is due to the fact that increased water especially prawns, Bombay ducks, anchovies (Coila
force during high tide results in more water filtration sp.), and catfishes. The availability of different fishes
and subsequent catch to dol net while it disturbs the in muddy water can be attributed to the presence of
baits of long line thereby hampering its fish catch. turbidity caused by fish food organisms like
Three out of every ten respondents believed that low phytoplankton and zooplankton. Its abundance can be
tide results in more catch to dol net. This is localized related to the occurrence of more fish in muddy
 382 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 6, No. 2, APRIL 2007

waters. A wide variation was noticed in the opinions practices. Therefore, a judicious blend of indigenous
expressed by fishers regarding indicators of cyclone. and modern practices is the need of hour in Indian
Most of the fishers (60%) opined that increase in the fisheries development.
intensity of water currents as the indicator of cyclone.
While around 40% reported wind gusting from south References
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particular reference to coral reef fisheries. Galaxea, 1988, 7
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Press, Berkeley/Los Angeles/London) 1981, 245.
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of 1997-1998, (State Department of Fisheries, Mumbai),
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