Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, May 28: The fishing season in the coastal districts is drawing to a close on a positive note, with a noticeable increase in fish production bringing much-needed relief to the fishing community following a slump last year. The mandatory 61-day mechanized fishing ban will remain in effect from June 1 to July 31.
Despite facing severe hurdles towards the end of the season—including fuel supply disruptions and price hikes triggered by conflicts in the Middle East—the region reported some of its highest fish production volumes in recent years. The fishing operations this season were highly satisfactory. Even amidst global warming and pollution, the yields were abundant, largely dependent on favorable natural conditions, effectively overcoming the fuel supply issues caused by the Iran conflict.
Mangaluru: High yields amidst infrastructure challenges
For the 2025-26 season, 1,97,381 tonnes of fish worth Rs 3,856 crore were caught. In comparison, the 2024-25 season saw a massive dip to 1,71,795 tonnes worth Rs 2,220 crore, while the 2023-24 season recorded 2,39,758 tonnes worth Rs 3,976 crore.
Currently, development work for the first and third phases of the fishing dock is underway. Out of the 1,400-metre dock, only 250 metres are accessible, creating a significant berthing challenge for boats returning at the end of the season. Furthermore, a bund built for a bridge between Tannirbhavi Bengre and Sultan Battery has made it difficult to safely move boats to their designated maintenance and parking areas during the ban period.
Udupi: 25% increase in value
The fisheries department estimates a total catch of 3.52 lac tonnes in Udupi district, valued at Rs 3,596.66 crore. This marks an approximate 25% increase in value compared to recent years. Previously, the district recorded 3.73 lac tonnes worth Rs 4,670.86 crore in 2023-24, and 2.32 lac tonnes worth Rs 2,910.97 lac in 2024-25.
The season had a slow start, with poor yields during September and October. A subsequent shortage of diesel and gas severely impacted operations, though the last three months of the season yielded an average catch.
There is also a severe space crunch at the Malpe fishing harbour. While the harbour houses over 1,800 mechanized boats, the three-stage jetties can only accommodate 400. Consequently, boats are parked in six to seven rows, frequently causing wooden and steel boats to collide and suffer damage. This lack of space is forcing many boats to migrate elsewhere.
Meanwhile, there is a strong demand from the fishing community to extend the 61-day mechanized fishing ban from June 16 to August 31 and to implement a uniform fishing law across the entire western coast.
With the ban taking effect on June 1, all mechanized boats must return to shore by May 31, and violators will face strict penalties. Due to the high volume of returning boats, a grace period of four to five days will be allowed strictly for unloading the catch. During the 61-day ban period, only traditional boats equipped with engines under 10 horsepower will be permitted to conduct shallow-water fishing near the shore.