Fishing activity has reached a crescendo in 2022-23 in terms of fish catch due to lower effect of rainfall and cyclones but the profits that accrued to the fishermen has been lower than previous years. Fishermen complain of lower prices and a cut in exports of fisheries contributing to the lower profitability. However, local consumers are happy that they were able to buy fish at lower prices this year.
Due to fall in profitability, many boats have been anchored in their respective ports ahead of the fishing ban. In Dakshina Kannada a total of 3,33,537 metric tons and in Udupi a total of 2,21,081 metric tons of fish have been caught which has been higher than previous years. In the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, 5,45,618 metric tons of fish have been caught in 2022-23 which is nearly three times over last year’s fish catch.
This year it is believed that fish mills have not functioned as per expectations. In Ullal alone there were as many as 13 fish mills that had closed shop throughout the year. To top it all, water scarcity during the summer months has affected fish mills. Export of fisheries has also been hit. Fishermen feel that their profitability has plummeted by 30-40% this year despite best marketing efforts at the local level. The prices of fishes have not been remunerative for the fishermen community.