In a worrying development, Kerala is facing a severe scarcity of fish, with traditional fishermen attributing it to rising sea temperatures and unsustainable fishing methods. The situation, which began to manifest in early 2024, has now escalated to the extent that numerous retail shops in Kochi have been forced to close due to insufficient fish supply.
Antony Kurishinkal, a prominent figure among traditional fishermen in Alappuzha district, revealed that over 80% of fishing boats remain idle, with fishermen refraining from venturing into the waters for nearly 70 days. Even when they do, their catches are meagre or nonexistent, exacerbating the scarcity.
C.S. Sajith, a worker at a popular fish retail store in Vypeen island, highlighted the impact on consumers, noting a significant reduction in the availability of small fishes in demand and a complete absence of larger fish varieties. This scarcity has driven up prices, with Indian oil sardines and Indian mackerels now fetching ₹240-260 per kilogram, while seer fish and pomfrets have disappeared from the market since Easter.
The situation poses a significant challenge for the thousands of fishermen reliant on the sector for their livelihoods, as well as for consumers who depend on fish as an affordable source of nutrition. To alleviate the crisis, local fishermen and vendors have relied on supplies from neighbouring states. Charles George, leader of a fishermen’s trade union, emphasized the need for government intervention to ensure fair prices for local fishermen and to reduce the influence of middlemen in the sector.
The scarcity underscores the urgency of addressing both environmental factors, such as rising sea temperatures, and unsustainable fishing practices. It also highlights the importance of supporting local fishing communities and ensuring food security for the people of Kerala. As the crisis persists, concerted efforts from government authorities, fishermen, and consumers are essential to finding sustainable solutions and safeguarding the future of Kerala’s fishing industry.
Source-The Hindu