Kerala Traditional Fishing Canoe and Net Traditions

Kerala has one of India richest fishing traditions, combining deep-sea fishing from vallam (dugout canoe) and mechanized boats with inshore and backwater fishing using traditional Chinese fishing nets (cheena vala), cast nets, and stake nets. The Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi — massive cantilever structures with counterweighted teakwood frames — are operating fishing platforms dating to the era of Chinese trader contact in the 14th century. The vallam tradition involves coastal communities (Mukkuvar, Araya) building and operating wooden canoes using traditional boat carpentry techniques. Traditional net making using coir and nylon twine is practiced by women in fishing villages. Kerala fishers cooperatives manage collective ice, transport, and auction arrangements. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) coordinates quality and export. Overfishing of the inshore zone and motorization of fishing have disrupted the traditional balance. Sustainable fishing certification schemes are beginning to reach Kerala cooperatives.