Economics of Gill net fishing by OBM units at selected centres in northwest coast

There has been an increase in the trend of mechanization in fishery in northwest coast of India in recent years. More than two-third of fish catch both in Maharashtra and Gujarat is contributed by mechanised sector. About half of the crafts in both the states are fitted either with in-board or out-board engines. The capital investment on boat fitted with in-board engine is very heavy and it is beyond the reach of common fishermen to procure it without getting financial help from institutional agencies or private money lenders. It is noted that the fishermen prefer OBM units wherever feasible to operate since the capital investment is of lesser magnitude and profit investment ratio is supposed to be higher.