Fish lovers sulk as fish scarcity hits coastal K’taka, several trawlers remain anchored

Team Udayavani, Jan 31, 2024, 12:03 PM IST

In a distressing turn of events, the coastal areas of Mangaluru and Malpe are grappling with a severe fish famine, causing a significant setback to the thriving fishery industry.

As per reports, around 80-90% of the fishing boats in Mangaluru and 50% in Udupi, are currently anchored and the few deep-sea trawl boats that ventured out in the sea are returning empty-handed due to the non-availability of fish.

Notably, the onset of the fishing season seemed to be promising for the industry, but the situation took a downturn after 2-3 months, resembling a fish famine. The most sought-after fish varieties like Pomfret, Bangude, Anjal, and Bondas are not available in the market. In few markets where they are available in small quantities, the prices are exorbitantly high.

Fishermen leaders attribute this scarcity to unscientific fishing practices, including a reduction in the fishing ban period during the rainy season from 3 months to 60 days. Resultantly, the fish spawn are caught in the nets of the fishermen even before they mature, and this in turn has led to a decline in fish population, they said.

Additionally, the indiscriminate use of bull trawling, the catching of tons of fish of different species, and the ongoing light fishing despite the ban are identified as factors that are affecting the fish population. It is also alleged that fish migrate towards the deeper sea owing to rising temperatures.

Fishermen are urging the amendment of the 1984 Act imposed by Karnataka, demanding measures to regulate fishing and impose fines on fishermen from other states fishing freely along the Karnataka coast. They highlighted that neighboring states of Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra are imposing fines up to Rs 5 lakh in case boats from other states enter their waters.

The fish scarcity has led to soaring prices with Bangude fish now costing Rs 250 per kg as compared to Rs.100 earlier. Other varieties like sardines, prawns, pomfret, King fish have also become much costlier leaving fish-lovers sulking.

Meanwhile, experts suggest amending existing laws, and enforcing sustainable fishing practices to address the crisis. It is also suggested that refrigeration units be set up in all state ports to preserve fish when they are available in plenty. However, the long-standing demand for a coordination committee involving officials, district commissioners, parliamentarians, legislators, and fishermen leaders from all coastal states, including Karnataka, remains unfulfilled.

Adapted from Kannada article authored by Bharat Shettigar & Nataraj Malpe