Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Dec 20: Coastal states are witnessing a sharp decline in fish exports, with Karnataka dropping to third place as Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat secure the first and second positions, respectively. Goa and Kerala have also experienced decreases in fish export volumes.

Karnataka exported 2,984 lac tonnes of fish in 2022-23, which reduced to 2,735 lac tonnes in 2023-24. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh exported 3,870 lac tonnes in 2022-23, increasing to 4,272 lac tonnes in 2023-24. Gujarat exported 2,934 lac tonnes in 2022-23 but saw a decline to 2,451 lac tonnes in 2023-24.

Despite the drop in export volume, Karnataka's fish export value rose slightly to Rs 4,785 crore in 2023-24 from Rs 4,737 crore in 2022-23. However, total exports across all coastal states dropped from Rs 63,969 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 60,253 crore in 2023-24. According to MPEDA, the excessive export of prawns from countries like Ecuador has significantly impacted competitive pricing.

The decrease in Karnataka's fish exports is attributed to multiple factors, including a decline in sea fish production, which fell by 25% in 2023-24 compared to the previous year. Other factors include the rise in sea temperatures, insufficient rainfall affecting fish breeding, and reduced fish catches in Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa.

Dinesh Kaller, director of the fisheries department, remarked, “Sea fish production in Karnataka has decreased by 25% in 2023-24 compared to the previous year. The scarcity of fish and rising sea temperatures are impacting the fishing industry.”

K Ganesh, managing director of KFDC, added, “Insufficient rainfall reduces fish breeding, and rising sea temperatures push fish to cooler waters, resulting in lower catches.”