(Re-)Negotiating Gender and Class: New Forms of Cooperation Among Small-Scale Fishers in Tamil Nadu

India has witnessed a gradual mechanization of marine fisheries since the 1950s, popularly called the “Blue Revolution” , the report notes. It refers to a rise in the usage of ring seine fishing, where a small net is used to target fishes like sardine and mackerel. Compared to small-scale artisanal fishing, or even trawlers, a ring seine unit requires a relatively large crew, consisting of at least 30-40 labourers. Owners of boats have started recruiting labour for this task, beyond fishing families in the villages. A greater demand for labour is met in this instance by migrant workers, both from the agricultural hinterland and more distant parts of North India.

The report notes that while women were central to the post-harvest fishing operations, such as, cleaning, transporting the fish to the market, vending, drying, and more, the move to the harbour located far way in Cuddalore has reduced these opportunities for women. The report finds that women have been displaced by male traders, exporters, and migrant workers. However, they continue to remain responsible for the financial management of the domestic and fishing domains. 

The report notes that traditionally, the small-scale fishing industry was characterised by a “share” system comprising of distribution of the generated surplus value amongst owners and crew members at an agreed proportion. With the rise of employing low-wage migrant workers, shares have now been replaced with wages which are substantially lower. 

The report notes that there is also an increasing use of caste identities in maintaining class divides. The ur panchayat (at the village level) continues to be exclusively controlled by the wealthier sections of the fishing castes. Ownership of boats is restricted to the fishing caste groups. However, those higher in the caste hierarchy are also now employed as labourers. 

Focus and Factoids by Anjana Rajshri.