Fishing is the largest economic activity in the state. However, it is currently suffering due to unscientific fishing practices and climate change. There is a shortage of fish during the fishing season, leading to unannounced fishing holidays. Additionally, the transaction of Rs 7,500 crore is subject to fluctuations.
The fisheries industry has been growing significantly in the Karavali region for a long time. It has also helped many families to develop and improve their lives. Apart from providing financial strength to lacs of families, it has contributed to the gross domestic product of the country. However, the sector is currently facing significant challenges. Fishing activities are not proceeding as planned, and the government is not providing sufficient encouragement. Consequently, the industry itself has reached a state of stagnation. The livelihoods of 3.31 lac families in the state who depend on fishing are in jeopardy.
The state boasts a coastline stretching 320 km, making it the longest in the region, covering an area of 27,000 sq km. It also encompasses 8,000 hectares of alluvial land. With 162 coastal villages, the state supports 127 primary fishermen’s cooperatives, 2 fish marketing federations, and the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation operating across 3 districts. The annual business turnover exceeds Rs 7,647 crore. However, this transaction has now been severely impacted.
In addition to the fishing profession, there are dozens of subsidiary industries. When fishing thrives, all sectors experience economic vitality. However, the current situation is the opposite. The storm has primarily affected the livelihoods of those in ancillary industries such as ice plants, lorry drivers, small-scale traders, fish cleaners, and fish processors.
In Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada districts, an unprecedented drought has hit this year, unlike anything seen in the past four years. Boats are not catching fish as anticipated, with many remaining anchored. Unplanned fishing holidays are being declared during the fishing season itself to mitigate the burden of potential losses.
In the past, deep-sea fishing typically had a break of at least four months. Even during the rainy season, when fish breed, fishing activity did not occur. However, this tradition has now been disrupted. The vacation period has been reduced to just two months. Light fishing, particularly bull trawling, has had a significant impact. Experts suggest that this practice has affected the reproductive development of fish, leading to scarcity. Additionally, adverse weather conditions have exacerbated the situation. If the situation does not improve, our marine resources could be depleted within the next 24 years.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has issued a warning that failure to protect the marine ecosystem could lead to the loss of seafood. Overfishing has already caused the extinction of rare fish species, including sharks. The agency has advised governments and regional fisheries bodies to enhance their efforts to prevent overfishing.
Speaking regarding this, Rajaratna, a fisherman, expressed concern and said, “The problem of less fishes is a very common thing in the summer, but this time what we saw we could have never seen and we have records which tells us that such a situation came back around 24 years ago. Because of scorching heat from the sun the fish in the water go down and because of which they become less active and even breed less. For this the government should take actions in order to bring any changes to this. Around 2 months all the fishermen are told not to fish because of this reason and of course this will impact their life where they will be helpless without a job but this is the situation so far. In order to save fishes, strict actions should be taken.”
Expressing concern over the issue, Dr H N Anjaneyappa, dean of Fisheries College, Mangaluru, stated, “I have recently come across an article discussing natural disasters in fish, but I do not fully agree with that perspective. In my view, this is a man-made disaster. To witness an increase in fish numbers, we must understand the migration patterns of fish. Disruption to these patterns automatically affects their population. The rampant hunting of breeding fish without understanding the problem prevents small fish from reaching the ocean. It is crucial to refrain from capturing small fish and allow them to breed and grow. We must utilize our resources carefully and ensure proper care. Pollution, primarily caused by humans, enters water bodies, eventually reaching the ocean. Trash dumped into the ocean necessitates public awareness campaigns.
“Efforts have been made to improve fish populations, but irregular monsoons remain a significant challenge. Fishing has been banned since June to address this issue, and there is a need to standardize fishing practices. Fishermen resort to using small nets due to the high cost of small fish. Therefore, raising awareness among them about the benefits of allowing fish to reach maturity is essential. While natural mortality is inevitable, we can control fishing mortality rates. Increasing temperatures have disrupted fish immigration and migration patterns, a consequence of human actions. The government must ensure strict adherence to regulations and prioritize public awareness campaigns,” he said.