Source: The Hindu
Recent weather patterns characterized by active El Nino conditions have led to a surge in sea surface temperatures, triggering what fishermen along the Kerala coast are referring to as a “fish drought.” This phenomenon, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures, has disrupted the annual cycle of fish availability between January and May, leaving traditional fishing vessels stranded onshore as fishermen seek alternative strategies to boost their catch.
The effects of rising sea temperatures are most palpable in the scarcity and price fluctuations of key fish species. Mackerel and sardines, staple catches for local fishermen, have seen a sharp decline in availability, with medium-sized sardines fetching prices as high as ₹280 per kilogram and mackerels selling at ₹300 to ₹320 per kilogram. However, reports indicate that while mackerels remain relatively abundant, sardine catches have dwindled significantly.
Fishermen operating along the Kerala coast are grappling with mounting losses, with daily operational costs reaching up to ₹45,000. Jackson Pollayil from Alappuzha recounts a challenging 11-day period at sea, marked by minimal sardine catches and sporadic mackerel hauls. In response, many daily wage fishermen have resorted to switching boats in hopes of improving their fortunes amidst the uncertain fishing conditions.
Experts attribute the decline in fish availability to the warming of sea waters, which prompts certain fish species to migrate to deeper areas. While a direct correlation between temperature and fish availability in nearshore waters remains elusive, rising temperatures have been linked to challenges in fish hatching and the survival of young fish, further exacerbating the situation.
The fluctuations in fish availability are not unprecedented, with the catch of oil sardines, a cornerstone of artisanal fisheries, experiencing significant variability over the years. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reported a notable recovery in oil sardine landings in 2022, with catches totalling 1.10 lakh tonnes. Similarly, Indian mackerel recorded a substantial catch of 1.01 lakh tonnes in the same year, nearly doubling the previous year’s estimates.
Charles George of the independent trade union Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi underscores the need for proactive measures to address the challenges faced by traditional fishermen. While acknowledging the significance of self-regulation, particularly in curbing juvenile fishing practices, George emphasizes the role of government intervention in implementing effective measures to alleviate the impact of the fish drought.
As Kerala’s fishing communities navigate the uncertainties posed by rising sea temperatures and dwindling fish stocks, urgent action is needed to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and ensure the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. By fostering collaborative efforts between fishermen, scientific institutions, and government agencies, Kerala can strive towards a more resilient and equitable fishing sector in the face of evolving environmental challenges.