The present paper deals with the findings of a socio-economic investigation carried out during April 1984 to March 1985 at Thiruvottiyoor kuppam and Pudumanikuppam fishing villages along the Madras Coast with special emphasis on economics of catamaran fishing. The study reveals that the average initial investment of a small catamaran unit (logs of 2 J to 5 metre length with 1 or 2 type of nets) amounts to Rs. 3,860 and bigger unit (logs of 6 to 6.5 metre length with 3 to 5 type of nets) Rs. 13,357. The average annual catch of a small imit is 2,300 kg valued at Rs. 11,940 whereas for bigger imit annual catch is 4,999 kg realising a gross return of Rs. 26,720. Annual net income of the owner of a small imit works out at Rs. 7,460 and big unit, Rs. 16,175. The net income includes the wages of family labourer also. The net profit of a small unit is Rs. 1,412 as against Rs. 3,975 for big unit. The average number of fishing days for small units during the year is 177 as against 276 for big units. Since the initial investment for different units showed considerable variation the effect of the same on gross returns has been analysed which indicates that the catamaran owners can enhance their earnings by increasing the size of craft as well as number of gears.

The poor economic condition coupled with scant availability of finance from the institutional agencies force the fishermen to sustain with the less equiped fishing equipments which in turn results in lesser returns entangling them in a vicious circle of poverty. Supply of credit to fishermen on easy terms and conditions, controlling the cost escalation of catamaran logs by providing it through co-operatives by Forest Department, regulation of area of fishing or period of operation for mechanised and non-mechanised boats and fitting of outboard engines on catamarans are some of the suggestions given to improve the earnings of catamaran fishermen