MANGALURU: Experts, including marine conservationists, have raised concern about the rampant trawling taking place near the shore, across the Karnataka coast, that is leading to the destruction of fish breeding locations on the seabed, and severe depletion of marine stocks.
The Karnataka Marine Fishing Regulatory Act permits mechanised fishing only after six nautical miles, and fishing near the shore is restricted to only traditional crafts.
Several factors have led to a rise in fishing near the shore. Experts believe many traditional fishermen have either left their profession, or may have joined as mechanised labourers. Excess fishing and increasing demand for trash fish by fish meal units, have resulted in depleting fish catch.
Even during the lockdown period, though fishing activities had come to a halt, there has been no drastic rise in fish catch.
Several factors like over mechanisation and mesh size regulation not being monitored, light fishing, bull trawling, bottom trawling and use of high-speed engines are causing harm to marine biodiversity, as they are picking up everything, including seaweeds and corals, which is alarming.
Dr Shantanu Kalambi from Reef Watch told TOI, “We are noticing this phenomenon across the Karnataka coast, and the frequency of trawling near the shore has been on the rise. We have noticed birds waiting on the shore every day to pick up dead fish that wash up after a trawler drives past. Unregulated trawling near the shore will lead to an ecological catastrophe from which we will not easily recover, as well as destroy the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen,” he said.
Dr A Senthil Vel, professor and dean (fisheries) Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, said the issue was discussed at a recent meeting with fisherman representatives. Other than the strict implementation of guidelines, creating awareness among the fishermen on the impact of trawling near the shore, and bottom trawling, is the need of the hour.
Dr Dinesh Kumar Y K, DCF, forest ecology and environment, stating that the situation is alarming, said that community conservation reserves through people’s participation, should be identified, and these areas should be developed as buffer sites.