COASTAL REGULATION AND FISHERFOLK RIGHTS IN KERALA

AUTHOR – ABHIRAM B H, LLM STUDENT AT SREE NARAYANA LAW COLLEGE, POOTHOTTA (AFFILIATED TO MG UNIVERSITY)

BEST CITATION – ABHIRAM B H, COASTAL REGULATION AND FISHERFOLK RIGHTS IN KERALA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (11) OF 2025, PG. 665-669, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

This article examines the evolving legal framework governing coastal regulation in Kerala with specific emphasis on the livelihood and customary rights of traditional fishing communities. Kerala’s coastline, while ecologically fragile and vulnerable to climate change, also functions as an essential socio-economic resource for thousands of fisherfolk. The study analyses the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and highlights its dual role in environmental conservation and protection of livelihood rights. It identifies major legal issues such as displacement due to tourism and infrastructure projects, weak enforcement of CRZ norms, lack of participatory planning, and the growing impact of coastal erosion. Drawing on judicial decisions delivered by the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court, the article demonstrates how constitutional principles including the right to life and the doctrine of public trust have been invoked in defence of coastal communities. The paper argues that effective coastal governance in Kerala must go beyond technocratic regulation and encompass a rights-based, participatory approach that integrates ecological sustainability with distributive justice.