Success Stories | Mangrove Foundation of India

Net Fishing in Mangrove Site

A. Dhamodharan, 46, from Sengazhaneermedu village, has fished Pulicat Lake for 30 years, 15 of them in mangrove areas. His daily income through cast-net fishing has grown from ₹50–100 to ₹200–300 (and ₹500–1,500 in season). He has noticed an increase in Tiger prawns and Mud crabs since mangrove rehabilitation began.

Women Hand Picking

Mrs. Madha, 56, from Sengazhaneermedu village, has fished Pulicat Lake for 35 years, 15 in mangrove areas. Her income from hand-picking fish, shrimp and crab has risen from ₹50–100 to ₹150–200 daily (and ₹400–500 in season), now covering all her basic needs. She uses palm-leaf bags during fishing and helps care for mangroves in her area.

Crab Farming

Crab fattening in Pulicat provides a sustainable livelihood for coastal communities, especially women and youth. With short culture cycles and high market demand, it offers quick income while reducing pressure on wild crab populations and promoting mangrove conservation through pens integrated into natural habitats.