Student details

Name: Sauvit Patil

Year: III
Subject Combination: Life science
Academic year: 2023-24
Assignment topic: A report for Fish Market visit

Title
Ecological Footprint and Societal Impact Assessment of
Mahim's Seafood Market

Content
1. Fish Market Overview and Location
2. The Study
3. Preliminary Details
4. Common Vertebrate Invertebrate Fish Varieties
Encountered: A Visual Overview
5. Fish Variety in the Market and Vendor Preference
Frequencies
6. Analyzing Fish Buying Likelihood: Factors
Influencing Consumer Choice
7. Vendor Awareness Survey: Understanding of
'Bycatch' and Sustainable Fishing Practices
8. Conclusion

Objectives
To analyse the Mahim Fish Market's dynamics, fish
variety, and consumer interactions.
To assess vendor understanding of sustainable fishing,
including 'bycatch'.
To explore factors affecting consumer choices in the
fish market.
 Ecological Footprint and Societal Impact
Assessment of Mahim's Seafood Market
Sauvit Patil, TyBsc, Life Sicence, 7315

Image 1: Marketplace Gender Roles; A Closer Look at Female Fish Vendors in Mumbai

Fish Market Overview and Location

Located at the heart of Mumbai, specifically in the Mahim area, the Mahim fish
market occupies a pivotal position within the city's intricate network of commerce
and maritime activities. Serving as a vital node in Mumbai's extensive seafood
distribution network, this market plays a critical role in bridging the gap between
coastal resources and the urban demand for seafood. The purpose of my visit to the
market on August 21st, 2023, was to conduct a meticulous examination of its
operational dynamics and gain insightful perspectives into its complex workings.

The Study
The Mahim fish market reflects Mumbai's strong bond with the sea. With a long
history that's connected to the city's development, this market shows how tradition
and modern city life come together. In this recent study as a marine science student,
I carefully studied the market to understand its different aspects. I wanted to show
how it fits into using ocean resources and supporting city life.

Details
Location: Mahim Fish Market, Mumbai, India
Date and Time: August 21st, 2023, Evening
Day of the Week: Monday
Season: Rainy
Survey: Purchase behavior, sustainability awareness, price sensitivity
Common Vertebrate Invertebrate Fish
Varieties Encountered: A Visual Overview
Halwa
(Parastromateus
niger)

Bombil (Harpadon
nehereus) Vertebrate
Rawas
(Eleutheronema
tetradactylum) Vertebrate

Paplet (Pampus
argenteus)
Vertebrate

Rohu (Labeo
rohita) Vertebrate

Jitadi (Lates
calcarifer)
Vertebrate

Chimbori (Scylla
serrata) Invertebrate

InvertebrateSukat (dried shrimp)

vakatya (dried bombil)

Mandeli (Stolephorus
indicus) Vertebrate
Fish Variety in the Market and Vendor
Preference Frequencies
Bombil Paplet Rawas Chimbori
Mandeli Sukat (dried shrimp) Jitadi
Vakatya (dried bombil) Rohu
15

10

0
Fish Frequencies (Fish availability in the market)
The provided graph presents the frequency of fishes available for buyers to buy at
Mahim Fish Market, ranked in descending order. Notably, Bombil holds the highest
frequency of 12 vendors that were selling it amongst 13 that were surveyed,
followed by Paplet at 10, and Rawas/Chimbori at 8 each. This trend could be
influenced by following factors—
1. Taste Preference
2. Local Demand
3. Availability
4. Price Sensitivity
5. Seasonal Variability
6. Vendor Specialization
The survey encompassed insights from 13 vendors, reflecting the Mahim Fish
Market's diversity in fish offerings.

Analyzing Fish Buying Likelihood: Factors

Influencing Consumer Choice
In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within the Mahim
Fish Market, a comparative bar graph was generated, incorporating two key metrics:
price per kilogram (kg) and the Weighted Buyer Likelihood Score.
Price per kg data was gathered through inquiries with multiple vendors in the
market.
To calculate the Weighted Buyer Likelihood Score, a method was employed. By
assigning specific weights to different levels of buyer frequency - considering
"Rarely Bought" (1), "More Often" (2), "More Usual Choice" (3), and "Buyer's
Favorite" (4) - a composite score was derived.
 Price per Kg
Weighted Buyer Likelihood Score (Frequency of buyers likelihood of buying that specific fish
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Despite Mandeli being the least expensive option per kg, its low Buyer Likelihood
Score raises intriguing questions. Conversely, Paplet, with a higher price, boasts the
highest likelihood score. This graph examines the intricate relationship between
price, buyer frequency, and preference, uncovering the complex factors that steer
consumer choices in the fish market.

The varying Buyer Likelihood Scores are shaped by a blend of factors. Paplet's
favored taste, cultural significance, and perceived value contribute to its high score.
Nutritional benefits, market availability, effective marketing, consumer education,
local demand, cooking versatility, and personal taste preferences all play a role.
These dynamics explain the difference in scores between Mandeli and Paplet,
despite their pricing disparities.

Vendor Awareness Survey: Understanding of

'Bycatch' and Sustainable Fishing Practices
Bycatch refers to unintentional capture of non-target species while fishing for a
specific target species.

In a subsequent survey, a concise inquiry regarding 'bycatch' was posed to vendors.

The aim was to gauge their comprehension of this term, indicating whether they are
mindful of bycatch in the pursuit of sustainable fishing practices.
 Comprehensive Knowledge regarding the term ‘bycatch’
20%

Unfamiliar to the concept of ‘bycatch’

40%

Somewhat Understanding regarding the concept of ‘bycatch’

40%

Among the 5 vendors surveyed, 2 displayed unfamiliarity with the term, 2 possessed
a partial understanding, and 1 exhibited comprehensive knowledge. The survey
reveals diverse vendor responses to 'bycatch' understanding, emphasizing the need
for targeted education to promote sustainable fishing practices.

The diversity in vendor responses can be attributed to a combination of factors such

as differences in exposure to conservation discourse, access to information sources,
varying levels of practical experience, and potential gaps in formal training. These
factors collectively contribute to the spectrum of understanding observed in the
survey.

Conclusion
This study comprehensively explored the Mahim Fish Market, revealing its pivotal
role in connecting coastal resources and urban demand. By analyzing market
dynamics, fish varieties, buyer preferences, and vendor awareness, this study
highlights the complex interplay of economic, cultural, and ecological factors. The
insights gained contribute to a holistic understanding of marine resource utilization
and sustainable fishing practices within the urban context.

We looked closely at how things work here, what kinds of fish people like, and how
sellers understand fishing.

In the end, this study isn't just about fish; it's about people, choices, and how we take
care of the ocean. Understanding these things helps us figure out how to balance our
needs with what's good for the environment.