Despite being banned by the state government in 2012 and later by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the controversial practice of “Chowri fishing” continues unabated in Karwar, Karnataka, for the past eight years. This method involves dumping tonnes of used plastic bottles into the sea to create artificial reefs for catching squids. Experts warn that aside from polluting the sea with discarded plastic, the practice has far-reaching ecological consequences, leading to an overpopulation of squids and adversely affecting other marine species.
Fisheries department officials in Karwar express helplessness in curbing the illegal activity due to a lack of human resources. Additionally, they face pressure from local politicians not to take action against violators. Skilled fishermen from Tamil Nadu reportedly hire boats with local registration numbers between September and October to engage in illegal squid fishing using overhead lights. This method is also against established rules.
The Department of Fisheries has caught some violators in the act, imposing a paltry fine of Rs 5,000, but the illegal fishing persists. Bibin Boppan, Joint Director of Karwar Fisheries Department, acknowledges the challenge, stating, “We are aware that TN fishermen are involved in such illegal fishing. We are unable to stop this as we lack the staff to conduct raids and confiscate the captured squids. Even if we arrest them, we get calls from leaders cutting across party lines to release them.”
Professor Shivakumar Haragi of Karnatak University’s Department of Marine Biology notes the shift from using casuarina trees to plastic bottles for creating artificial reefs after forest officials cracked down on cutting casuarina trees. The plastic reefs are contributing to squid breeding throughout the year, negatively impacting fish populations.
Locals reveal that visiting fishing communities purchase tonnes of plastic bottles from local scrap dealers for the illegal practice. Each artificial reef requires two sand sacks to anchor around 600 empty bottles, weighing one quintal. The bottles are left floating 15 to 20 nautical miles into the Arabian Sea to act as breeding grounds for squid. The harvested squids are sold, and the artificial reefs are abandoned in the sea. Around 150 visiting fishermen engage in Chowri fishing during the season, further highlighting the magnitude of the issue.
Source: DECCAN HERALD
