In August and September 1980, a survey was carried out in the Balasore, Cuttack, Pun and Ganjam districts of Orissa, to obtain information on the type of traditional fishing craft and gear, their methods of operation, cost, and possibilities for improvement and introduction of new prototypes and innovations. All the important villages engaged in marine fisheries were visited.

This working paper presents the results of the survey. A brief summary of the types of fishing craft and gear is followed by detailed data on materials and construction of craft and gear. The document may serve as a guide for specific extension work among small-scale fishermen and also provide a basis for experiments to improve fishing craft and gear.

The survey and this paper are an activity of the Project for Small-Scale Fisheries Developmentof the Bay of Bengal Programme. The project is funded by the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA) and executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAQ). The main goal of the project is to develop, demonstrate and promote technologies and methodologies to improve the conditions of small-scale fisherfolk in five countries that border the Bay of Bengal — Bangladesh, India, Malaysia Sri Lanka and Thailand.