Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 20: The soaring temperatures along the Karnataka coast have significantly impacted the fishing industry, with nearly 80% of fishing boats remaining anchored at the shore. The extreme heat has stalled fishing operations, forcing Mangaluru and other coastal areas to rely on fish imports from other states.

Fishing, which typically resumes in August after the monsoon break, sees a slowdown in December and January. The second phase of the fishing season begins in February and March, a crucial period for the industry. However, this year, fishermen are struggling due to rising temperatures, as fish are not being caught in expected numbers. Only about 20% of boat owners are venturing into the sea for fishing.

Earlier, fishermen had witnessed a bumper catch of mackerels, leading to a drop in prices. Now, with dwindling fish supplies, boat owners are facing losses.

The ideal sea temperature for fishing ranges between 27°C and 32°C. However, current temperatures have soared above 35°C, making conditions unfavourable for fish. Authorities state that the excessive heat is driving fish to deeper waters, making them harder to catch.

Last year’s heavy monsoon had raised hopes among fishermen for a good season. However, the unexpected heatwave has pushed fish to deeper areas, making them elusive. In deep-sea trawlers, ice blocks that previously lasted for 12 days are now melting within eight days, forcing early returns to shore.

Mangaluru’s fishing harbour, usually bustling with activity until noon, is now running out of stock by 9 am. With fewer fish being caught, demand has surged, and the little that arrives is sold out within minutes.

The shortage has led to a spike in fish prices, prompting traders to import fish from Gangolli, Karwar, and Ankola in Karnataka, as well as from Odisha, Mumbai, Goa, Ratnagiri, Visakhapatnam, and Kerala. Currently, around 50 truckloads of fish, each carrying 10 tons, are being transported to Mangaluru.

A year ago, when mackerel catches reached 40-50 tons, there was an oversupply, leading to price drops. Now, only about 50 boxes of mackerel are available, with just 800 kg of kingfish (anjal) caught in the past week. With most boats remaining docked, fishermen fear financial losses unless there is an improvement in fish availability.

Fishing patterns are never consistent and fluctuate based on environmental conditions. Favourable weather can lead to good catches even 100 nautical miles offshore. However, factors like extreme heat, breeding cycles, and availability of food sources influence fish migration. These fluctuations have contributed to the decline in fishing activity, experts say.