The Government’s marine fishery policy over the last 30 years hadfocussed on the exploitation of resources in the sea. This was the rationale behind theintroduction of mechanised fishing boats and subsidising them. As per the latest Censustaken by the Department, there are 556 marine fishing villages, with a population of about6.70 lakh, out of which about 2.62 lakh marine fishermen are actively engaged in fishing.At present about 10,000 mechanised fishing crafts and about 43,000 traditional crafts areengaged in marine fishing. The inshore fishery resources of Tamilnadu coast have beenover-exploited. Our marine fisheries policy, therefore aims at conservation of existingfertile fishing grounds and their exploitation on a sustainable basis. Thrust will begiven to tap the hitherto untapped rich fishery resources of the off-shore region throughmulti-day and multi-gear fishing by mechanised boats.

2. Motorisation of Traditional Crafts

   The Scheme will extend assistance to the fishermen in motorisation of traditional crafts i.e. installation of inboard and outboard motors to the existing crafts. From 1987-88 onwards, the Government of India are also contributing their equal share. Under this scheme, 50% of the cost of engine is given as subsidy limited to a ceiling of Rs.12,000/- or Rs.10,000/- for buying inboard engine or outboard motor respectively. The balance 50% cost is to be borne by the beneficiary. From 1987-88 to 1998-99, 11,633 such engines had been distributed to the traditional fishermen. For 1999-2000, 1204 engines had been distributed (as on 31.3.2000). The traditional fishermen are also given a subsidy of Rs.6000/- per head for the purchase of fishing nets under the Scheme. So far 163 nets had been distributed to the fishermen (as on 31.3.2000). The scheme will be continued during 2000-2001 also.

3. Acquisition of one fishing vessel

   During 1999-2000, the Govt. sanctioned a sum of Rs.25.00 lakh to acquire one 43-1/2’ fishing vessel fully equipped with fishing gears, and navigational gadgets. The boat was constructed at Thoothukudi, named as ‘Kumari’ and it has been launched from Kanniyakumari Survey Station. The boat will engage in multi-gear, multi-day fishery.

4. Enforcement of Tamilnadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1983 (TMFR Act 1983)

   (a) During 1997-98 the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs.449.95 lakh for construction of 5 patrol boats for enforcement of TMFR Act 1983. The five patrol boats viz. Neelam, Muthu, Pavalam, Kayal and Valampuri are operating from with the base at Chennai, Thoothukudi, Rameswaram, Mallipattinam and Kanniyakumari respectively.

   (b) Notification prohibiting fishing by Pair trawling or fishing with purse-seine nets by fishing vessels in coastal Tamilnadu

   Orders have been issued prohibiting fishing by Pair trawling or fishing with purse-seine nets by fishing vessels / crafts, whether country craft or mechanised boats irrespective of the size and power of engine in the entire coastal areas of Tamilnadu in the Territorial waters as a measure to conserve fishery resources with effect from 25.3.2000.

5. Relief to Tamilnadu fishermen

   Tamilnadu fishermen often drift into Srilankan territorial waters during conditions of cyclone, floods or other natural calamities. As it takes time to bring back these fishermen to their native places, the Government in 1998-99 has initiated a Scheme to look after the families of these fishermen. The family of the fisherman is given Rs.50/- per day till the fisherman returns home. So far, 40 fishermen families have benefitted under this Scheme. This scheme will be continued during 2000-2001.

6. Problems faced by the Fishermen of Palk Bay

   The Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay area are often caught in the crossfire of the Sri Lankan Navy and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) causing anguish and agitation amongst the fishermen community. There had been 5 such incidents in which 5 boats were attacked during the year 1998. In these incidents one boat was sunk, 3 fishermen were injured and 6 fishermen lost their lives. During the year 1999-2000 (upto 31.3.2000) there have been 7 attacks in which three fishermen lost their lives and 4 fishermen were injured. All such incidents were brought to the notice of Government of India to take up the matter with the Government of Sri Lanka. The Government of Tamil Nadu had provided a sum of Rs. one lakh as immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of deceased fishermen. 10 fishermen families were given relief under this Scheme as on 31.3.2000 and disbursement of relief amount to 5 more fishermen families is under the consideration of the Government. Up to 31.3.2000, 181 fishermen and 9 boats were repatriated from Sri Lanka.

7. Repatriation of foreign fishermen

   A State Level Standing Committee has been constituted by the Government headed by the Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Chennai as its Chairman. The Chairman is liaising with the agencies concerned such as Coast Guard, Customs, Intelligence Bureau, etc. for the early release and repatriation of foreign fishermen and vessels apprehended in Indian Sea. As on 31.3.2000, fourteen Sri Lankan fishermen are under the custody in Tamil Nadu awaiting clearance orders from Government of India for release and repatriation.

8. Census of Fisherfolk

The last census of Marine fisherfolk population was conducted during1986. This data-base has become outdated and there had been a vast change in the ownershipof inputs such as outboard motors / inboard engines, new types of crafts and otherimplements. To conduct the fisherfolk census during 1999-2000, the Government sanctioned asum of Rs.5.00 lakh. The census work had been completed and the compilation work is inprogress.

2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
   1. Fishing Harbours and Landing Facilities

      Mechanised boats conduct fishing operations from 362 fish landing centres all along the coast line of the State. These crafts require safe anchorage facilities during adverse weather conditions to land their catches, loading of fuel etc. Besides, facilities are also required on the shore for preservation of the landings till they are despatched to the consuming centres. In future, the infrastructure will have to be maintained and operated in a selfsustainable manner.

   2. Chinnamuttom Fishing Harbour

The fishing harbour at Chinnamuttom in Kanniyakumari Districtsanctioned at a total cost of Rs.6.84 crore with all major components had been completedand about 150 boats are already making use of this harbour. The Revised Estimate at atotal cost of Rs.9.45 crore is being forwarded to the Government of India for approval.After approval of the R.E. by the Government of India, the following works will be takenup.

1. Providing dolos and surface grouting.
2. Water supply
3. Overhead tank
4. Guard room
5. Token shed
6. Extension of compound wall
7. Black Topping Road
8. Sloping hard

1. Rameswaram Fishing Harbour

As per the directions of Government of India, revised estimate for asum of Rs.45.42 crore for construction of a fishing harbour at Rameswaram has beenforwarded by the State Government for Government of India’s approval. After approvalof the estimates by the Government of India, the following work will be taken up.

1. Construction of wharf / Jetty and Breakwaters
2. Auction Hall
3. Sloping Hard
4. Formation of road
5. Dredging and reclamation
6. Facilities like Drinking water / Electricity / Drainage / Office buildings, Canteen etc.

1. Construction of Fish Landing Centres

The Government of India have sanctioned for providing the followinginfrastructural facilities in ten fish landing centres in Tamilnadu at a total cost of Rs.13.32 crore.

1. Auction Hall
2. Two Landing platforms
3. One toilet block
4. External water supply
5. Provision of electrification/lighting
6. Provision of protected water supply
7. Provision of inner road
8. Provision of RCC wharf/jetty

In the meantime, the State Government sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1.50crore at the rate of Rs.0.75 crore per centre being 50% of State Government’s sharetowards construction of 2 fish landing centres one at Veerapandiapattinam and another atPunnakayal in Thoothukudi District pending sanction of Government of India’s share. .The work has been taken up in Punnakayal..

1. Establishment of ‘Meenavar Angadis’

With a view to remove the difficulties faced by the fishermen inselling fish and for providing hygienic facilities for the sale of fish, it has beenproposed to establish ‘Meenavar Angadis’ in 10 places in Tamilnadu in the FirstPhase. These markets will be set up with modern facilities, drinking water and toilets. Inorder to facilitate the sale of quality fish auction halls and drying yards will beconstructed in places where wholesale auction of fish takes place.

2. INLAND FISHERIES

   In the Inland Fisheries Sector, the main objective is to enhance the freshwater fish production by utilising the available water spread area of about 3.71 lakh hectare comprising of reservoirs, major and minor irrigation tanks and village ponds and tanks. The Reservoir Fisheries Development is undertaken by the Tamilnadu Fisheries Department (45 Reservoirs) and Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation (9 Reservoirs). The Department has also taken over about 32,000 hectare of major / minor irrigation tanks for stocking with major carp seeds and exploiting with the help of local fishermen. The remaining irrigation sources are leased out by local bodies. About 5,000 hectare of village ponds and tanks have been developed to adopt composite fish culture technique through Fish Farmers Development Agencies. About 1.09 lakh ton of fish has been produced from the above inland water resources during the year 1998-99.

   1. Fish Seed Production:

      The Indian major carps viz., catla, rohu, mrigal and the chinese carps viz., Grass Carp, Silver Carp and Common Carp have been established in the waters of Tamilnadu and these varieties contribute considerably to the total inland fish production.

      The fish seed requirement of catla, rohu, mrigal and Common Carp for stocking in the waters which are under the control of the Department, TNFDC and FFDA are being met by the above agencies themselves. The seeds are produced and reared upto stocking size in 41 fish farms operated by the above agencies and about 500 lakh fingerlings are produced annually. Apart from this, 84 private fish seed farms established in the State are producing 600 lakh fingerlings/annum. The department is encouraging the private sector to produce quality fish seeds with subsidy assistance. A sum of Rs. 4.50 lakh had been given as subsidy to eighteen private fish seed hatchery operators so far.

   2. Upgradation of fish seed farms:

      During 1999-2000, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs. 10.00 lakh for upgradation of existing fish seed farms at Poongar in Bhavanisagar (Rs. 6.64 lakh) and Chittar Dam-II (Rs. 3.36 lakh). In both the places, the civil work had been completed.

   3. Development of freshwater prawn

      production:

      To compensate the decline in shrimp production during the recent years, the culture of freshwater prawn has been encouraged by the Department by sanctioning subsidy assistance to private prawn farmers. During 1998-99 and 1999-2000, subsidy of Rs. 30,000 / ha. had been sanctioned to 50 private fresh water prawn farmers. These farmers will be able to produce about 50 tons of exportable varieties of fresh water prawns.

   4. Assistance to freshwater prawn hatchery:

      Freshwater prawn seeds of good quality are essential to meet the demands of freshwater prawn farmers. A sum of Rs. 1.00 lakh had been given as subsidy towards establishment of one freshwater prawn hatchery in private sector during 1999-2000.

   5. Assistance to Inland Fishermen :

      The Hon’ble Chief Minister had announced in the last Budget "A scheme for the development of inland fishermen after considering the representations of the Association", and based on the announcement, the following three new schemes had been sanctioned by the Government at a total cost of Rs. 15.50 lakh. Under the scheme, more than 1000 members of Inland Fishermen Cooperative Societies and more than 500 members of Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies will be benefitted.

      1. Distribution of new nets:

         During 1999-2000, the Government accorded sanction for a sum of Rs. 12.50 lakh towards 25% subsidy for the purchase of new nets for 500 inland fishermen. Maximum subsidy is Rs. 2500 per fisherman. Subsidy has been released to 492 fishermen for the purchase of new nets so far.

      2. Distribution of cycles:

         During 1999-2000, the Government accorded sanction for a sum of Rs. 2.25 lakh for purchase of 500 cycles to 500 Inland Fishermen at 25% subsidy. Maximum is Rs. 450. So far subsidy has been sanctioned to 202 fishermen for the purchase of cycles.

      3. Distribution of aluminium containers:

      During 1999-2000, the Government accorded sanction for a sum of Rs. 0.75 lakh for the distribution of 500 aluminium containers to 500 Inland Fisherwomen at 50% subsidy. As on date, subsidy has been sanctioned to 353 fisherwomen for the purchase of aluminium containers.

   6. Inland Fishermen Housing Scheme

      There are 56169 members in 245 Inland Fishermen Cooperative Societies in Tamilnadu. Most of them are living below the poverty line. Hence in the current financial year, it has been proposed to construct 1000 houses at the rate of Rs.32,000/- per house for Inland fishermen through Cooperative Societies.

   7. Tamilnadu Panchayat (Lease and Licensing of Fishery Rights in Water Sources vested and regulated by Village Panchayats and Panchayat Union Councils) Rules,1999.

      After successful implementation of Composite Fish Culture Technique in village ponds and tanks vested with Panchayat and Panchayat Union through FFDA., great awareness has been created among the rural unemployed youth to take up fish culture in village ponds and tanks on a large scale.

      To generate more income to Panchayats and Panchayat Unions and also to encourage scientific Pisciculture, the Government have issued orders in G.O.Ms.No. 169, Rural Development (P3) Department, dated 16.8.99 to lease the fishery rights by open auction for a period of 5 years with a preference clause to Fishermen Cooperative Societies. Government have also ordered that the upset lease amount shall be fixed by the village Panchayat and the Panchayat Union Council concerned in consultation with the Inspector of Fisheries of the respective areas. The Fisheries Department will help the fishermen to generate optimum revenue by extending technical guidance to the lessee.

   8. Hill Area Development Programme

      During 1999-2000, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs.20.00 lakh to improve the Wilson Fish Farm and Aquarium at Udhagamandalam. The work is being executed by the P.W.D.

   9. Western Ghats Development Programme

   (a) Under Western Ghats Development Programme, during 1999-2000, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs.35.00 lakh for establishment of Chinese Hatchery and provision of water supply arrangements for the National Fish Seed Farm at Manimuthar in Tirunelveli District. This work is being executed by the Engineering Wing of this Department.

   (b) The Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.25.45 lakh for the improvement of two fish seed farms at Manimuthar and Gadana at Tirunelveli District during 1999-2000.

3. RESEARCH, TRAINING AND EXTENSION:
   1. Research

There are 7 Research Stations, each headed by an Asst. Director ofFisheries. There are 36 Research Assistants working on 16 projects, which were cleared bythe State Fisheries Research Council in June, 98. Main focus of the Research is to aiddevelopment of Fisheries Sector through applied research. Fisheries Department would beco-ordinated with the Central Fisheries Research Institutes, like CIFA, CIBA, CMFRI andthe Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi.

2. Demonstration of Marine Finfish Farming (Grouper Fish):

   Grouper (Epinephelus spp.) are large size marine food fishes, well suited both biologically and commercially for farming. They are excellent food fishes having growing demand in the International market. Hence, during 1999-2000, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1.90 lakh to demonstrate Marine Finfish Farming in one of the Brackishwater Ponds at Punnakayal near Thoothukudi. Grouper Seeds have been stocked and data on the growth etc., are being monitored. The main object is to demonstrate and popularise grouper farming in Tamilnadu.

3. Pilot Project for Sewage Fed Fisheries:

   During 1999-2000, Government sanctioned a pilot commercial project in collaboration with Madurai Corporation for the development of Sewage Fed Fisheries at a total cost of Rs.5.00 lakh to be equally shared by Fisheries Department and Madurai Corporation. The work is in progress.

4. Fishermen Training:

   Fisheries Training Centres are established in 6 places viz., Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mandapam, Thoothukudi and Colachel. Training is given to fisherboys for 10 months (from January to October) on the operation and maintenance of mechanised boats and to operate modern fishing gear. Besides this, a Junior Mechanic course is also conducted in 5 centres viz., Thoothukudi, Colachel, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Mandapam.

5. Fisheries Extension:

Under the extension programme, seminars and exhibitions are conductedat State and Districts level. Mass media like All India Radio and Doordharshan are alsoutilised to disseminate information on fish culture, weather warning etc., for the benefitof the fishermen community. Information on various scientific developments and benefitsextended by the Government and other agencies are also made available to the fishermen andto public through handouts, reprints and organised extension programmes. Four extensionand propaganda wings are functioning in this Department to propagate recent advances inFishery Science to the fishermen and to public. 30 Radio talks and 6 television programmeswere organised during 1999-2000. Further, the Department has also participated in severalexhibitions to popularise the departmental schemes.

4. BRACKISHWATER FISH FARMERS DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES:

   At present 5 BFDAs are functioning in the State, These agencies are entrusted with the task of monitoring the water quality, disease prevalence in shrimp farms and training of farmers who wish to take up brackishwater aquaculture and mariculture. In addition, they are to identify suitable brackishwater sites and beneficiary farmers, prepare bankable brackishwater aquaculture projects, provide subsidy and marketing information to farmers.

   Based on the directions of the Aquaculture Authority, the Government constituted Committees at the State Level and District Level. The District Collector is the Chairman of the District Level Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the BFDA is the Member-Secretary. The CEOs in their capacity as Secretary of the DLC are entrusted with the task of processing the applications of the Shrimp Aquaculture farmers and forwarding them to the State Level Committee with their recommendations. 972 applications have been received from the Shrimp Aquaculture Farmers and they are being processed by the BFDAs. The State Level Committee has recommended for the issue of authorization/approval for 184 shrimp aquaculture farms.

5. AGRICULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:

   The Fisheries Department will be continuing the World Bank assisted AHRD project during 2000-2001 also. The main thrust will be on training of trainers in select fields of fisheries science through Net work of Aquaculture centres in Asia, South East Asian Fisheries Development Centre, Phillipines and Asian Institute of Technology at Thailand. 13 persons would be deputed for training under this programme during 2000-2001. Apart from training, this year the focus will be on Networking of the Department through Personal Computer for better HRM practices. It is also proposed to develop exclusive software to meet the HRD needs of the Department.

6. Fishermen Welfare:

Welfare of fishermen is a priority item in the agenda of the StateGovernment. The Government will take all the steps to improve the socio-economic status offishermen community. The following important schemes are being implemented by thisGovernment.

1. Ma. Singaravelar Memorial Fishermen Free Housing Scheme

1. Fishermen Group Insurance Scheme
2. Fisherfolk Accident Group Insurance Scheme
3. Savings-cum-Relief Scheme
4. Reimbursement of Central Excise Duty on HSD oil
5. Kerosene/diesel subsidy for fishermen using traditional crafts

To alleviate the hardship on account of increased fuel cost of thesmall fishermen with traditional / motorised crafts, the Government sanctioned for thefirst time during 1998-99 a sum of Rs.3.00 crore towards Kerosene/Diesel subsidy forfishermen using about 20,000 traditional crafts fitted with inboard engines/outboardmotors at the rate of 50 paise per litre not exceeding Rs.125/- per month with an annualceiling of Rs.1500 per craft/fisherman.

As on 31.3.1999, 632 Marine Fishermen/Fisherwomen Cooperative Societieswith 318074 members and 245 Inland Fishermen/Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies with 56169members, 10 District Fishermen Federation with 655 members, one Apex Federation with 386members and 16 other types of Fishermen Societies with 2722 members are functioning in theState. These societies constitute an important agency for the upliftment offishermen/fisherwomen community in the State.

TAFCOFED is registered as a Cooperative Institution under the TamilnaduCooperative Societies Act 1983 and came into existence on 19.10.1992, as the ApexFederation of primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies. Till now, 519 Primary FishermenCooperative Societies and 9 District Federations have been affiliated to the Federation.The total value of the share capital of the Apex Federation is Rs.79.34 lakh.

9.1. INTEGRATED MARINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (IMFDP)

PHASE-I:

This project is assisted by National Cooperative DevelopmentCorporation and implemented by TAFCOFED. It has an outlay of Rs.15.88 crore and it isbeing implemented from 1993-94 to 31.3.2000 in the Coastal Districts ofKancheepuram/Thiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumaricovering 78 Coastal fishing villages. So far, the Government of Tamilnadu had released asum of Rs.15.88 crore for the implementation of the project. Till date, 2105 fishinginputs of Rs.13.52 crore value, comprising of catamarans, vallams, engines, marine plywoodboats and fishing gears had been supplied to 4253 fishermen.

Under the project, 6895 fishermen have been trained in all aspects ofcooperation, fishery regulation and in maintenance of outboard motor in the projectvillages. Mass contact programmes and art programmes have been conducted in the fishingvillages to bring forth the active involvement of marine fishermen in the TAFCOFEDactivities.

PHASE-II :

The Government accorded sanction for implementation of the IMFDP from1.4.98 onwards covering 100 Fishermen Cooperative Societies in all the 13 CoastalDistricts of Tamilnadu at a block cost of Rs.45.00 crore. For the first year, theGovernment had sanctioned a sum of Rs.801.00 lakh, out of which a sum of Rs.582.31 lakh istowards inputs for acquiring catamarans, vallams, marine plywood boats, net etc. So far, asum of Rs.471.57 lakh had been disbursed to 1072 beneficiaries in 46 FCS to acquire 412inputs. Further, for speedy implementation of the scheme, the TAFCOFED had purchased eightnew jeeps and four computers. For the second year, it is proposed to supply 826 fishinginputs at a cost of Rs.804.00 lakh out of the total sanctioned cost of Rs.954.00 lakh.

The project also has provision for creation of infrastructurefacilities such as auction hall, fish drying platform, fish transport van, insulated boxand service centre.

Further, the Federation continues to give training to fishermen incooperation, fishery regulation and maintenance of outboard motors. TAFCOFED is alsoinitiating action towards giving loan without interest for sale of fish, sale of spareparts, petrol/diesel distribution through the FCS to earn additional income.

The following new schemes will be taken up for implementation during2000-2001.

10.1. Purchase of 60 floating cages for intensive inland fish culture and marketing scheme at Thirumangalam and Villupuram :

Under this scheme 195 tanks in Thirumangalam and 134 tanks inVillupuram were taken up for intensive inland fish culture. Since Thirumangalam andVillupuram Stations do not have any rearing area under their control, it is proposed toprovide 60 floating cages, for rearing 60 lakh of earlyfry into about 10 lakh offingerlings every year. Hence, a sum of Rs.4.06 lakh is proposed for the purchase of 60floating cages under this Scheme.

2. Purchase of 20 Fibre Glass Coracles :

   For transporting and stocking of seeds, exploiting the grown fish and also to attend to conservancy work, in the reservoirs and irrigation tanks of Fisheries Department, fishing crafts are necessary. The traditional type of coracles made up of leather, bamboo and HDPE sheets could be replaced with Fibre-glass reinforced plastic which are found to be safer and more durable. Hence, it is proposed to purchase 20 FRP coracles at a total cost of Rs.2.40 lakh.

3. Distribution of 2000 aluminium containers to Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies:

   At present 170 Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies are functioning in the State with 54,979 fisherwomen as members. The BOBP had designed and introduced aluminium containers in Tamilnadu State for the use of fisherwomen so as to handle the fish hygienically and to transport the same from landing centres to markets in towns and cities so that the post-harvest loss is avoided. This containers can be used for about 7 years. Hence, it is proposed to procure and distribute 2000 aluminium containers to fisherwomen through the fisherwomen cooperative societies at a total cost of Rs. 3.00 lakh as 50% subsidy. Cost of one container is Rs. 300/-.

4. Construction of office building in the existing Ice Plant at Madurai:

The ice plant of Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai was constructed in theyear 1965 with ground floor and first floor. The first floor of the building had beenrented to TNFDC Ltd. The TNFDC had transferred the building back to Fisheries Departmenton 1.1.91. The building was previously used as ice plant which requires major renovations.Hence, it is proposed to repair the building (at a total cost of Rs. 6.00 lakh) foraccommodating the office of the Asst.Director of Fisheries (Regional) Madurai, which isfunctioning in a rented building for a rent of Rs. 4,500/- per month at present.

11. TAMILNADU FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED:

The Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., was establishedin 1974 as a State owned undertaking. The authorised share capital is Rs. 500.00 lakh andthe paid up share capital as on date is Rs. 445.52 lakh. It is engaged in the followingactivities:

1. Operation of deep sea fishing trawlers
2. Management of reservoirs
3. Production of quality fish seeds
4. Management of ice plants, cold storage and processing plants
5. Sale of HSD oil to fishermen.
6. Marketing of quality fish
7. Fish net manufacturing
8. Management of shrimp hatchery and shrimp farm
9. Dry fish godown
10. Management of pearl culture projects and pearl oyster hatchery.
11. Distribution of out-board/inboard motors on subsidy basis.
12. Production and marketing of ornamental fishes.

1. Trawler operations:

   The Corporation is operating 3 deep sea fishing trawlers based at Vizag. During the year 1999-2000 upto 31.3.2000, 53.66 tonnes of prawns and 123.26 tonnes of fish were landed fetching a total revenue of Rs. 193.90 lakh.

2. Reservoir:

The following reservoirs are under the management of the TamilnaduFisheries Development Corporation Ltd., in which systematic stocking of fish seed is done.Harvesting of fish is done by engaging local fishermen who keep 1/3 of the catches astheir share.

1. Sathanur Dam
2. Bhavanisagar
3. Amaravathy
4. Aliyar
5. Thirumoorthy
6. Uppar
7. Manjalar
8. Palar-Poranthalar
9. Perumpallam

During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, 436 tonnes offish were landed realising a revenue of Rs. 100.40 lakh. Out of the above 9 reservoirs,Palar-Poranthalar reservoir has been leased out.

1. Fish Seed Production:

   The Corporation is managing one fish seed production centre at Sathanur Dam and 6 fish seed rearing centres at Amaravathy, Aliyar, Thirumoothy, Manjalar, Palar-Poranthalar and Uppar. Fish seeds produced here are stocked in the reservoirs managed by the TNFDC and also supplied to the Fisheries Department, Fish Farmers Development Agencies and private farmers. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, 238 lakhs of fish seeds were produced.

2. Fish processing:

   The Corporation is in possession of 6 ice plants and 4 processing units in the State. An Ice Plant and Processing Unit at Mandapam has been leased out to a private entrepreneur. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, a sum of Rs. 13.80 lakh has been collected towards lease rent.

3. Diesel outlets:

   At present, the Corporation is operating 17 retail/consumer diesel outlets in the fishing harbours like Chennai, Mallipattinam, Thoothukudi, Pazhayar etc., for the benefit of mechanised fishing boat operators and fishermen. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, a total quantity of 35002 K.L. of diesel and oil was sold which earned a commission of Rs. 73.13 lakh.

4. Fish marketing:

   The Corporation is marketing fresh and fried fish in the cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Periyar Districts through retail outlets. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March 2000, 530 tonnes of fish were sold for Rs. 202.32 lakh.

5. Fishnet making factory:

   A Fishnet Making Factory with a production capacity of 75 tonnes per annum is functioning at Royapuram. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 40 tonnes of nylon and HDPE nets were sold to fishermen for Rs. 101.38 lakh.

6. Shrimp Hatchery and Farm:

   The Corporation is running a Marine Shrimp Hatchery at Neelankarai with the annual production capacity of 16 million shrimp seeds. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, 10.25 lakhs seeds were produced fetching revenue of 2.53 lakh. A model shrimp farm and demonstration centre has been established at Karangadu.

7. Dry Fish Godown at Thoothukudi:

   A Dry Fish Godown constructed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority for the benefit of dry fish exporters and Thoothukudi was taken over by the Corporation. During the year 1999-2000, upto the end of March, 2000, a sum of Rs. 1.85 lakh was collected as rent.

8. Pearl Culture:

   The pearl culture project which was set up by the Corporation during 1990 was leased out to a private entrepreneur on 31.1.1995 for five years.

9. Pearl Oyster Hatchery:

   A Pearl Oyster Hatchery was set up at Mandapam under the grant sanctioned by the Department of Bio-technology, New Delhi. The hatchery is operating for the production of pearl oysters from the year 1995-96.

10. Distribution of outboard/inboard motors on subsidy basis:

    The TNFDC Ltd., has taken up distribution of outboard motors / inboard engines for the motorisation of traditional crafts to the fishermen beneficiaries identified by the Director of Fisheries on subsidy basis. The subsidy admissible for outboard motors is 50% on the cost subject to a maximum of Rs.10,000/- and for inboard engines, subsidy admissible is 50% subject to maximum of Rs.12,000/-. 318 Nos. of outboard / inboard engines have been distributed upto 31.3.2000 and the profit earned is around Rs.4.90 lakh.

11. Production and marketing of ornamental fishing:

The TNFDC Ltd., has ventured into a new arena of production andmarketing of ornamental fishes. The production is proposed to be undertaken in the farmarea at Aliyar and Thirumoorthy. The marketing is proposed to be undertaken through thestalls at Chennai and Coimbatore.