History (Continue. . . )

The beginning of the district unions

• 1969 - Ashtamudi Kayal Matsyathozhilali Union (Ashtamudi
  Lake Fishermen Union)
• 1970 - Alappuzha Jilla Matsyathozhilali Union (Alappuzha
  District Fishermen Union)
• 1970 - Kadal Matsyathozhilali Union, Cochin, (Cochin Sea
  Fishermen Union)
• 1970 - Alappuzha Catholikka Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Alappuzha Catholic Fishermen Union)
• 1974 - Alappuzha Ulnadan Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Alappuzha Inland Fishermen Union)
• 1975 - Kollam Jilla Swathanthra Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Kollam District Independent Fishermen Union)
• 1977 - Vijayapuram Roopatha Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Vijayapuram Diocese Fishermen Union)
• 1977 - Thiruvananthapuram Roopatha Matsyathozhilali
  Union (Thiruvananthapuram Diocese Fishermen
  Union)
• 1978 - Anjuthengu Boat Workers Union
• 1979 - Thiruvananthapuram Jilla Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Thiruvananthapuram District Fishermen Union)
• 1979 - Cochin Mekhala Matsyathozhilali Union
  (Cochin Regional Fishermen Union)
• 1980 - Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation -
  KSMTF - (Kerala Independent Fish Workers
  Federation)
  

Malabar swathanthra malsya thozhilaly union,Ernakulam jilla swathanthra malsya thozhilaly federation and Alappuzha jilla swathanthra malsya thozhlaly federation were formed after the formation of KSMTF

Rallies were organised throughout Kerala emphasising the need for unity and collective action among fish workers. In the same year, a large number of fish workers congregated at Trivandrum for the first time in history. It was one of the largest rallies ever conducted by fish workers. This rally was monumental as it was the first time that coastal people, especially the fish workers congregated for their own demand and raised the issues of fish workers and brought national attention to the plight of the fish workers in Kerala. It was in the same year that the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act was enacted.

Kala Jatha (March with cultural and art forms), Deepa sikha Rally (Rally by carrying flame), Street Play Campaign, Vehicle Rally, Patha Yathra (Foot March), Stage Drama Campaign, Mass Conventions, etc were also organised during those hectic days of the fishermen struggles.

Since 1998, World Fisheries Day on 21st November, is being celebrated regularly by the Federation. On that day workshops, seminars, conventions and rallies are organised on issues relating to fishery

The Federation also organises workshops and study camps for its members and leaders. These programmes create scientific mindset and leadership skills among the participants. These gatherings also work as occasions for sharing of experiences. >>More