Unveiling resistance: Fisherfolk perspectives on marine mineral mining in Kerala

Marine mineral mining is emerging as a key component of the Blue Economy initiative, with governments and industries exploring offshore deposits for economic gain. However, coastal communities, particularly fisherfolk, remain concerned about the ecological and socio-economic implications of such activities. This study presents preliminary findings from a survey conducted among fisherfolk families across nine coastal districts of Kerala, India, to gauge their response to the proposed marine mineral sand mining. The survey, covering 856 families, revealed that 88.73% to 99.24% of respondents opposed the initiative, citing concerns over environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and reduced fish availability. These findings indicate strong resistance from the fishing community and highlight the need for inclusive decision-making processes that consider stakeholder concerns.