Assessment of Wetlands Aquaculture Practice in the Southern Kerala District, Kerala.

In Kerala, out of 11.14 lakh of fishers, 2.55 lakh in the inland fishers. Also, 34199.5 ha area of inland wetlands have great potential for fishery resources, but not well documented. In this paper, the contribution of wetland ecosystem resources to fisheries in the Southern Kerala district (SKD) is because of fewer studies. Surveyed 75 inland wetlands and, 247 respondents from areas next to wetlands in five districts of Kerala by group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct observations methods. In Kerala, fish rearing is predominant in Thrissur and Ernakulam district, followed by prawn culture and less mixed cultures. Also, identified 34 fish species, exotic (14.7%), local (85.29%), and three prawn varieties had reared throughout the year. The Pearson correlation results revealed a significant positive relationship between the wetland fish catch and the mesh size (r = 90, .391, p < 000), net length (r = 70, .205, p < .198) and net cost (r = 96, .239, p < 018). According to fishers' capacity, the cost of rearing fish, materials, and expenses is varied. Mostly, the traditional fishing method used and 4–6 fishers required during harvesting and catching. The fishing business had done on a partnership basis, and 63% earns a monthly income below Rs.5000. A sampling of fish diversity provides current knowledge on wetland fisheries and economic status in the SKD. The wetland fishing practices facing severe impacts on recent climate changes, labor cost, and other practical difficulties lead to shifting forms in small-scale fishers nowadays.