Report From Karnataka Coast

Report from Karnataka coast

On 02 September 2024 I had a unique privilege of visiting two coastal districts of Karnataka - Mangalore and Udupi to meet and exchange views with small scale fishing communities on behalf of NPSSFW. These are some of my observations after the visit about the status of Marine SSF communities.

Shobendra and Naguesh organised meetings at two places. In Mangalore district it was in the village of Sashihitlu while in Udupi district it was in middle of the villages of Kadipatna and Nadipatna.

Something that came very strongly to the fore during conversations at both the meetings is about fish famine in Arabian Sea. Fishers have gone empty handed with regard to the fish catch from April 2024 upto the day of meeting. Large scale fisheries that consists of LED fishing, trawling and bull trawling has triggered sharp depletion of fish on Karnataka coast. Dissatisfaction amongst fishers is increasing. State Government of Karnataka has been tacitly supporting large scale fishing vessels including fishing gears like LED that are outlawed. Bull trawling is rampant and traps even the juvenile fish of two inches size. To call this situation a disaster won't be an understatement. 

Second issue that came up at the meeting is about sharp cuts in fuel supply to small scale fishers (SSF). Coupled with this is increase in kerosene rate from Rs.35/- per litre to Rs.57/- per litre. These two factors has hit hard and placed question marks over fishing as livelihood option. Kerosene is supplied by Food department of Karnataka.

On the border of Udupi and Mangalore districts at the coast is meeting point of two rivers- Shambhavi and Nandini. It is at this point there is significant erosion of coastal land covering distance of nearly three kilometers. Soil has been washed away and sea has deposited sand into the opened up interiors. This has affected fishing communities locally at Sashihitlu village triggering variety of complications. 

The fourth issue that was raised at the meetings is about fish ban period for large scale fisheries in Karnataka that was reduced from 90 days to 60 days. It was advantageous for small scale fishers when the ban period was of 90 days. Small scale fishers would get good price and their livelihoos was comfortable as full month of August there was no competition with trawlers on fish supply. With 60 days ban SSF lost their economic advantage. Moreover they don't get any compensation during fish ban period.

Current weather is rather unusual. Sea is rough. SSF are not able to brave and venture out in waters for fishing. Trawlers, Purse seiners go out, use LED, engage in bull trawling and get fish catch. SSF gets nothing.

Sashihitlu was selected for development of Fisheries under National model scheme. It was sanctioned 7 crores of Rupees. Out of which Central government was to contribute 4 crore while State government 3 crore. Out of this fund portion of Jetty was constructed along with shelter for keeping fishing nets. However Jetty is too small and cannot accommodate all the cannoes. It is in need of urgent expansion.

There were few more problems faced by SSF were raised. Our of them was reluctance of banks to sanction loans to SSF.

Local fishers were very articulate and pitched for coastal alliance of SSF on the entire coastline of Arabian Sea from Kerala to Gujarat.

Discussion were also held on need to form Union of SSF and needed steps in this directions.

Sebastian Rodrigues,

National Council Member,

NPSSFW