A Comparative Study on the Mechanized Fishing Trawlers Operated in Kerala and West Bengal.

Abstract- The mechanised trawl sector is considered as the most commercial fishing system of India. During the present study, a comparative study on the mechanised fishing trawlers operated in Kerala and West Bengal was accomplished. The study clearly revealed different important variations in design and specification of the trawlers of two states. In Kerala, trawler with LOA of 34.14 m was seen which was installed with 550 hp engine. The study reported that 400-500 hp high powered diesel engines were mostly used by the trawlers of Kerala. On the contrary, 100-200 and 200-300 hp engines were dominant among the trawlers of West Bengal. Though the trawlers in West Bengal were exclusively constructed of wood, a newly imported 18.9 m steel trawler was found in this state during the study whereas only 15.55% of the trawlers in Kerala were made of wood and the rest ones were steel vessels. In Kakdwip region of West Bengal, trawlers with completely different deck layout from the other trawlers of two states were found the wheelhouse of which was seen to be located on the stern position of the vessel from where the skipper operates the vessel with the help of a long lever typical of this area. The winch, mast and derrick were found to be situated at the front portion of the wheelhouse unlike the other trawlers of the two states. The study significantly reported on the overpowering of the recent trawlers at a range of 37-87% than the optimum engine horse power. The study on fuel estimation showed that 260kL and 190 kL of fuel were consumed by the trawlers of Kerala and
West Bengal in one fishing trip which further implies the immense necessity of innovation of fuel efficient design of gear and craft which will make the sector more economically viable.