The fishing community in Goa has urged the state and central government to take note of disturbing climate change-related trends that have occurred throughout 2023 as they fear what is in store for them in 2024 and the years to come. This year, traditional fishermen say they have grappled with a myriad of challenges stemming from adverse weather conditions, significantly impacting sea conditions and triggering beach erosion. The tumultuous weather patterns have disrupted their livelihoods, as unpredictable seas make fishing perilous and contribute to a decline in catch yields.
The far-reaching effects extend beyond immediate economic concerns, affecting coastal communities that rely heavily on fishing. Moreover, the compounded issue of beach erosion exacerbates the vulnerability of coastal habitats and infrastructure. The plight of these fishermen is not isolated to this year alone; in previous years, they have endured substantial losses due to cyclones, further emphasizing the precarious nature of their profession in the face of unpredictable and extreme weather events.
They emphasised on the critical need for proactive, comprehensive climate measures to avert impending ecological crises and safeguard the livelihoods of traditional fishermen. “Because the sea is hot, it is becoming less conducive for fishing. We can’t go out, and it is reducing the time we fishermen get to spend in the sea. This will become a bigger problem in the years to come. Care should be taken to protect the fragile ecosystem, which is going to get ravaged by further climate problems. And we are facing a reality, which is coming soon. And we are not even getting into the issues we face due to illegal fishing,” said a local fisherman.
General Secretary of Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) and National Fishworkers Forum (NFF), Olencio Simoes echoed their sentiments and said this is supported by scientific studies such as those from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) indicating the rising temperature of the Arabian Sea.
He referred to how these studies had spoken about the escalation in temperature could force marine species, including popular fish in Goan waters, to relocate to more favourable conditions. Simoes also referred to the study of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which had projected the future submersion of coastal areas like Mormugao by 2100 due to rising sea levels. “The 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP27) spoke about geoengineering to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean, which tells you how bad the situation is,” said Simoes.
He then criticised India’s post-cyclone remedial measures, advocating for pre-cyclone mitigation exercises. The fishing community demanded that there be a dedicated Department of Climate Change Mitigation, stressing the urgency of proactive action to protect fishermen’s livelihoods and address far-reaching effects in Goa. Expressing concern over Goa’s alarming pollution levels compared to the past, Simoes also felt that the accelerated rise in sea temperature has resulted in storms, cyclones, erratic monsoon, sea surges, and coastal erosion. Pointing out that the warming sea poses a significant obstacle to fishing, limiting fishermen’s access and foreshadowing larger problems in the future, Simoes emphasised the necessity to safeguard the fragile ecosystem from imminent climate challenges.
“Elsewhere in Kerala, in Trivandrum, the coastal families have suffered as their land, which was home to the traditional fishermen, has been eroded. This could happen in Goa in the future, as studies have shown. In Vasco in 20-30 years if steps are not taken today,” Simoes added. “Steps should be taken to protect coastal livelihoods. We already have data on coastal erosion in Goa. The government should see what is being done in Puducherry where beaches have successfully been nourished again,” Simoes concluded.