In order to optimize the input utilization, the techno-economic efficiency of fishing operations is commonly assessed by employing various production function models. In view of the contribution of mechanized trawlers to the total marine fish production of India, an attempt was made to assess the input-output relationship in trawler operations at three major landing centres along the Kerala coast using the model Cobb-Douglas production function. The functional relationship indicated that there was ample scope to enhance the net profit of trawlers by increasing fishing days and area of operation at Neendakara and Munambam, whereas at Cochin Fisheries Harbour, the present operation is almost at the optimum level. At Neendakara landing centre, the fishing days in a year could be increased from the average level of 193 to 204 and in Munambam from 203 to 229 days to get the maximum profit. There is also a provision for increasing oil consumption in all three landing centers to achieve optimum level of utilisation. Even though the number of days fished in a year is not up to the optimum in all the major centers selected for the study, the existing socio-economic conflicts and inter-sectoral disputes should be addressed while increasing the number of fishing days of mechanized trawlers.

Economic efficiency, production function, Cobb-Douglas model, trawler operation