This paper attempts to explore the extent of adoption of hygienic fish handling practices among the mechanized fishermen of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. Data on the extent of adoption of hygienic fish handling practices among the fishermen were collected through personal interview. Of the 10 practices evaluated, the adoption scores were higher for five practices viz., Icing of fish (96.67%), Cleaning of deck (94.17%), Cleaning of fish hold and accessories (90.83%), Packaging of fish (77.50%) and Personal Hygiene (60.83%).It was observed that erratic price fluctuations; lack of cold storage; and insufficient loans and subsidies were the major problems faced by the fishermen in practising the hygienic fish handling practices. Price regulation by Government intervention; establishment of cold storage in auction hall; and providing sufficient loans and subsidies without collateral security from banks were the suggestions of the fishermen for the perceived problems

Keyword: Adoption; Mechanized fish