Governability Challenges in Sustaining Small-Scale Fisheries in an Urban Context: A Study of Cochin Backwaters, India

Abstract

The water body that stretches from Azhikode in the north to Alappuzha in the south in Kerala, the southernmost state of India, is generally known as the Cochin Estuarine System or the Cochin backwaters. This backwater system pro-vides a nursery ground for many marine species, making it a productive fi shing area for many small-scale fi shing communities living in the vicinity. Evidence shows, however, that this water body has been subjected to both horizontal and vertical shrinkages due to various reasons associated with urbanization and indus-trialization. This chapter examines the challenges that modern development is posing for small-scale fi sheries and how small-scale fi shers cope with it. We argue that governance interventions to address the threat of urban and industrial devel-opment on backwater fi sheries requires a deliberative process involving all stake-holders, particularly local organizations (panchayats) in which small-scale fi shers play an important role. In order to improve governability of the Cochin backwa-ters, a platform needs to be created for small-scale fi shers so that they can negoti-ate on equal terms with their urban counterparts, who hold economic and political power, and whose interests centre around industrialization, tourism, and urban infrastructure development.