Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 31: Once again, the sea is grappling with a fish scarcity, leading fishing boats to return empty-handed due to the insufficient availability of fish. Consequently, a significant number of boats are now anchored at the docks, dealing a severe blow to the fisheries industry that has invested billions. The repercussions of this crisis are also beginning to impact enthusiasts of fish-based cuisine.

In Mangaluru, approximately 80-90% of boats are anchored, and in Udupi, around 50% are affected. Currently, only a handful of deep-sea trawl boats are venturing out in search of fish, but even their success is limited.

Although the fishing season started well with a good catch initially, a shortage of fish akin to a famine has emerged after 2-3 months. High-demand species such as pomfrets, mackerels, kingfish, and squids are notably absent from the market. Fishermen leaders attribute the scarcity to unscientific fishing practices, such as a reduction in the ban on fishing during the rainy season from 3 months to 60 days. This shorter period has resulted in immature fish fry being caught before they have a chance to mature. The indiscriminate use of bull trawling, catching tons of fish of various species, and the widespread practice of light fishing despite the ban are also cited as reasons for the decline in fish population.

Fishermen from Malpe, Mangaluru, and other states face fines up to Rs 5 lac if they cross into Kerala, Goa, or Maharashtra, even with amendments to the existing act. However, fishermen from other states continue to fish freely along the Karnataka coast. The demand from fishermen is for an amendment to the 1984 Act imposed by Karnataka.

The escalating fish scarcity has led to soaring prices, with mackerels now priced at Rs 250 per kg, while sardines is at Rs 150, silver croakers at Rs 200, shrimps at Rs 300 to Rs 600, pomfrets at Rs 600, kingfish at Rs 700, and ladyfish at Rs 350 (varies by region). Additionally, the price of fish from other states has doubled.

Boats have been observed anchored in docks due to the scarcity of fish, and a change in the situation is anticipated in the coming days. The reduced influx of fresh water into the sea, attributed to lower rainfall, is speculated as a contributing factor to the ongoing fish famine.