Published Online:July 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Applied Economics
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJAE040326
DOI:10.71329/IUPJAE/2026.25.3.58-82
Author Name:Nusaiba K P, Shibinu S and Noushad Chengodan
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Economics
Download Format:PDF
Pages:58-82
Fishing plays a significant role in sustaining the food security and traditions of marine fisherfolk who depend on maritime resources for their livelihoods, besides contributing to national and global fish production. But it faces challenges such as resource depletion, economic instability and climate change. To survive and cope, marine fishermen use a variety of tactics. Migration, especially to the Middle East, is one of the important survival strategies adopted by them. The study examines the socioeconomic effects of migration to the Middle East on the livelihoods and wellbeing of marine fishermen in Kerala. The primary data was collected through structured interviews and supported by secondary sources, and a quantitative approach using ordered probit model was employed. The findings show that migration has improved fisherfolk’s household income, livelihood security and overall wellbeing. However, it has also created some social and family-related challenges. The study concludes that migration is an important livelihood strategy for marine fisherfolk and emphasizes the need for policies that promote sustainable fisheries and long-term community wellbeing.
Fisheries, a source of bread and butter for countless communities, sustain both economies and traditions while safeguarding food security. As a vibrant link between nature and livelihood, they shape the wellbeing of societies across the globe. According to FAO (2022), the global production from fisheries and aquaculture reached 214 million tons in 2020, comprising 36 million tons of algae and 178 million tons of aquatic animals.