Despite strict government restrictions, catching small fish remains rampant, raising concerns over its impact on marine resources. Authorities have curtailed the fishing of small fish to preserve the breeding of nutrient-rich species, enhance fish wealth, and secure a steady income for fishermen. However, illegal fishing using prohibited nets continues unabated, posing a significant threat to traditional fishing methods.
Small fish like mackerel (Ayala), sardines (Mathi), ponyfish (Mullan), sole fish (Manthal), and silverfish (Chooda) are still readily available in local markets, indicating the ongoing illegal catches. The Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulating Act (MFRA) imposes size restrictions on 58 commercially important fish species to protect fish populations. For instance, the minimum allowed size for Mackerel is 10 cm, for Sole fish (Manthal) 9 cm, sardines (Mathi) 14 cm, and Tuna (Chura) 31 cm. Catching these fish below the specified sizes is prohibited.
Illegal fishing activities, particularly using double trawling methods, have destroyed fish wealth worth crores. While fishermen in southern districts have decided to stop double trawling, attention has now turned to areas like Beypore, Puthiyappa, and Koyilandy, where the practice persists.
Moreover, non-edible marine creatures caught alongside fish are often sold to feed companies, generating significant profits. Marine Enforcement authorities and Coastal police are tasked with ensuring compliance with the Fisheries Department’s regulations, but the challenges of enforcement remain substantial. The unchecked exploitation of small fish threatens not only the marine ecosystem but also the livelihood of traditional fishermen who rely on sustainable fishing practices.