During last trawl ban, sardine, a staple for many, enjoyed a rare privilege. The once-humble fish abruptly became expensive with prices hovering around ₹400 per kilo. After a few months the situation has dramatically reversed as the finger-sized fish has no takers. The small size of sardines captured off Kerala coast is becoming a serious concern for traditional fishers as the species is a major resource for those who venture into territorial waters every day. Since reduction in size directly translates to lower market value, they are forced to sell the catch to fish meal plants.
“Climate change-induced warming of coastal waters is leading to nutrient deficiencies, hindering juvenile sardine development. This has resulted in a drastic decrease in size. Previously, sardines averaged 150 g; now, they barely reach 25 g. Consequently, both the size and the taste of the fish have significantly deteriorated,” says Jackson Pollayil, president of Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation.
He adds that there will not be any oil sardines this season and no change in size is expected till monsoon. “Traditional fishers, lacking storage facilities, are forced to sell their catch immediately. With current market prices plummeting, our options are severely limited. On Saturday (March 15) we had to sell our sardine catch for ₹18 per kilo and these days fish meal plants are our main buyers. This unprecedented trend is a threat to our livelihood and nutritional needs,” he says.
Distinct difference
According to Grinson George, director, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), inter-annual fluctuations are very prominent in sardines and the stocks can recover quickly in congenial conditions. “It’s a recurring sequence and the volume of catch changes every year. While sardine size naturally fluctuates throughout the year, recent catches reveal a distinct regional difference. In mid to southern Kerala, sardines are averaging 14 to 18 cm, whereas in northern Kerala, they are significantly smaller, ranging from 12 to 14 cm,” he says.
An earlier study by CMFRI had revealed a dramatic decline in oil sardine catches along the Kerala coast in 2021. Landings had plummeted to a mere 3,297 tonnes, representing a staggering 75% reduction compared to the 2020 figures. Mr. George says climate change plays a significant role in the alterations observed within coastal ecosystems including fish stocks.
Impact on livelihood
“An extreme event that influences the recruitment of sardines is El Nino. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino Southern Oscillation from 2023 October resulted in around 150 days of marine heat waves which was not conducive for sardine population. Later from June 2024 onwards breeding and recruitment was good for the available spawners leading to an abundance of zero year-class fish (young fish hatched and fished same year),” he says.
Sardine is a coastal fishery and a major resource for large number of traditional fishers who venture into territorial waters every day. “Changes in availability of the species, even during a brief period, will impact their livelihood. At present due to reduced consumer preference they are selling the catch to fish meal plants which is not a desirable trend. Ensuring sustainable exploitation and interventions based on scientific data are important,” adds Mr. George.