Economic valuation of net social benefit of seasonal fishing ban in selected maritime states of India

Abstract

Seasonal fishing ban (SFB) is followed along the Indian coast for the past 15 to 25 years for sustaining marine fishery resources. However, the effect of the SFB on fishery resources and societies has not yet been established. In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the net social benefit of the SFB which will help to throw light on the impact of SFB and guide to substantiate or recommend alternate/improved management measures to sustain marine fisheries. In the present study, the economic valuation of SFB was carried out in five selected maritime states of the country. It was found that the incremental biomass ranged from 5 to 9%. The net social benefit was also positive in all the states, which ranged from ₹1,097 lakhs in Andhra Pradesh to ₹2,796 lakhs in Tamil Nadu. Based on performance of SFB in terms of net societal benefits, the states were ranked in the order, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka followed by Andhra Pradesh. Results of the study recommends continuation of SFB, however, it should not be considered as a stand-alone practice and should be considered only as part of a bundle of management measures for sustaining marine fisheries in India.