Deep-Sea Fishing and Sustainability: An Empirical Study on the Readiness of the Fishermen from Tamilnadu, India

Introduction: Coastal fisheries resources are slowly depleting and the governments are pushing the fishers to extend their fishing activities into the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and beyond with the aim of tapping deep-sea fisheries resources for ensuring a continuous supply of protein-rich food for the country and for export. However, switching to deep sea fishing has many challenges and they need to be tackled by different stakeholders to ensure a smooth adaption of deep-sea fishing among the fishermen. Objective: To analyse the fishermen's capabilities and challenges in adopting deep-sea fishing as an alternative and suggest measures in order to achieve sustainable deep-sea fishing operation. Theoretical Framework: Technological innovation in vessel design, operations, fishing techniques and efficient ocean navigation can lead to more efficient and less ecologically harmful fishing practices. Method: Five identified challenges were analysed through collecting data from 405 respondents from five deep-sea fishing harbours through structured questionnaire in order to find the measures to overcome those challenges. Results and Discussion: The results were analysed, expressed in tables, bar and charts and discussed in order to understand the fishermen's readiness towards the sustainable deep-sea fishing operations. Research Implications: The research will come out with the gaps in adopting deep-sea fishing operation. The measures to fill the challenges in adopting sustainable deep-sea fishing operation could be developed through the outcome of the study. Originality/Value: The relevance and value of this research may be evidenced through a greater number of fishermen adopting deep-sea fishing operation and enhancing fishermen's knowledge and skills through training.