Labour mobility in marine fisheries sector: A case study from Odisha State, eastern India

This paper presents an insight into the mobility of the marine fishers of Pentakota area of Puri District of Odisha, migrated from various parts of Andhra Pradesh in search of sustainable livelihood and better socio-economic conditions. The study relied on primary data collected from 147 migrant fishermen households selected through random sampling method. The study attempts to examine the pros and cons of labour mobility in the marine fisheries sector. Analysis on the socio-economic profile of the migrant fishers revealed that 64% of migrant populations are in the age group 31-50 years and most of them belong to Christian and Hindu religions and 87% of them are from other backward castes (OBC). The prime reasons for migration included low income, debts and financial commitments and disguised unemployment. The analysis indicated that consequent to migration, the fishers augmented their income besides increased savings, construction of house and possession of personal assets along with an elevation to their social status. The expenditure pattern of the migrants including clothing, shelter, food and education of dependents were also analysed. The major problems confronted during migration are language barrier, cultural lag and conflicts with established migrant labourers. Even though the labour mobility has contributed much to the marine fishery economy of the region, the ecological and social changes might impact occasional conflict between the migrants and native fishers for the scarce marine fishery resources. Hence, sufficient steps have to be taken for skill development and improvement of socio-economic conditions of the migrant fishers as well as for better management of conflicts among fishers