An Economic Analysis of Gill Net Employed along the Tulmulla Stream of District Ganderbal, Kashmir

This study investigates the economic viability of gill net fishing operations along the Tulmulla stream in District Ganderbal, Kashmir. Data were collected from 50 licensed fishers across five villages using a pre-tested survey schedule. The economic analysis considered capital, fixed, and variable costs, alongside earnings and profitability indices. The finding conformed that the average annual net income per fisher was ₹75,584.57, with a net operational income of ₹83,073.36 and a high benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 5.21, affirming the economic profitability of gill net fishing in the region. Family labour represented the largest share of variable costs, while vessels accounted for the majority of fixed capital investment. The report raises issues such declining fish catches as a result of pollution, overfishing, and regulatory infractions despite the high returns.