Tamil NaduWednesday, 26 August 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Chennai’s inland fisheries declined as sea catch and mechanised boats expanded
The report traces how inland fishing in Madras declined over four decades while sea fishing, mechanised boats and Kasimedu harbour expanded.
Key highlights
Direct fact
By 2022-23, Chennai’s fishermen recorded a catch of 52,134 tonnes, while Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in Royapuram housed around 900 mechanised boats, showing the city’s shift from river fishing to sea fishing.
Key specifics
- Until about four decades ago, Madras residents bought inland fish such as madava, keluthi, ooda, era and nandu from rivers and estuaries.
- Pattinampakkam, Adyar, Kotturpuram and Saidapet were noted inland fishing grounds for small nets and catamarans.
- In 1990, the first fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boat was introduced, with government subsidies for safer fishing.
- FRP boats described in the report are around 65 feet long, have double engines and can stay in the high seas for a week.
- In 2022-23, the fishermen’s catch was 52,134 tonnes, and Kasimedu Harbour had about 900 mechanised boats plus hundreds of smaller vessels.
Exam lens
Question type: geography and economy, with places such as Adyar, Kotturpuram, Saidapet and Kasimedu, and facts such as 1990 FRP boats and 52,134 tonnes in 2022-23. TNPSC may ask how urban pollution and coastal mechanisation changed Chennai’s fishing economy.