Fishing Crisis in Kerala: Out-of-State Boats and Price Hikes

Fishermen in Kerala are facing a difficult situation as fish stocks dwindle and illegal fishing practices by boats from other states continue. The recent end of the fishing ban has brought little relief, with fishermen reporting a significant decrease in catch. This, coupled with the influx of boats from other states using banned pair trawling techniques, has worsened the situation. Pair trawling, a practice that involves two boats dragging a net between them, is prohibited as it captures even the smallest fish, depleting stocks and disrupting the ecosystem. The practice is particularly detrimental to local fishermen who are already struggling with declining fish stocks and high fuel prices. Fishermen report being forced to engage in pair trawling themselves due to the lack of alternatives, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of fishing regulations. This ongoing crisis threatens the livelihood of thousands of fishermen in Kerala and has the potential to lead to higher fish prices for consumers.