Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jun 24: The absence of the expected monsoon rainfall along the coast has led to a sharp decline in fish availability in the sea this season. Thousands of traditional fishermen who depend on country boat fishing during the monsoon are facing severe financial hardship due to the lack of income.

With a 61-day ban on mechanised fishing boats in force from June 1, this period is usually a crucial source of livelihood for traditional fishermen. However, this year the sea has failed to yield fish. Fishermen explain that for country boats to get a good catch, there must be heavy rainfall and stormy sea conditions. Such conditions disturb the seabed and bring fish closer to the surface.

In addition, when large volumes of freshwater from the Western Ghats flow into the sea, the resulting mixture attracts small fish such as mackerel and other species towards the shore. However, fishermen lament that due to the absence of both heavy rains and storms this year, fish have remained in deeper waters.

The local market is also facing an acute shortage of fresh fish. While shore-based fishing operations are yielding small quantities of species such as kalluru and mixed fish varieties, their prices have soared. River fish too are being sold at high rates, and trawl boats venturing into the sea are reportedly returning empty-handed.

With fresh fish becoming scarce, consumers have increasingly turned to packaged fish from cold storage facilities. Demand for such products has risen significantly in the market. Fish is also being brought in from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Fish vendors in Malpe and the general public have been left with no option but to purchase these supplies.

Last year, heavy rainfall and stormy weather created favourable conditions for traditional fishing. This year, however, rainfall has been considerably weak. Experts have already indicated that the monsoon is likely to remain below normal, which, according to Dayakar V Suvarna, president of the Malpe Kanni Fishermen's Association, will not only affect traditional country boat fishing but could also have serious adverse consequences for mechanised fishing operations when they resume later in the season.