Juvenile fish harvesting raises concerns along Malabar coast

The growing practice of large-scale harvesting of undersized fish along the Malabar coast has raised concerns about the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of minimum legal size (MLS) regulations.

Fishermen from the coastal areas of Kozhikode district say juvenile fish varieties are reportedly being caught in large quantities and transported to other States for industrial use, including the manufacture of fishmeal, fish oil, fish powder, and fertilisers. The growing demand for such stocks is prompting many to supply the stock, triggering concerns about the possible depletion of fish populations and its long-term impact on the fishing sector, they point out.

Major fishing centres, including Chaliyam, Koyilandy, Chombala, and Vellayil in Kozhikode, are among the locations reportedly affected. There are no permanent checking mechanisms in these locations, though the Marine Enforcement squad conducts occasional inspections. 

Representatives of the All Kerala Fish Merchants Association allege that juvenile sardines and mackerel are among the main species being harvested. The illegal stock is reportedly transported to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and Gujarat for industrial processing and other commercial uses, they add.  

According to them, both local and migrant workers are involved in collecting undersized fish for additional income. Fertiliser companies outside Keralam are reportedly purchasing such stocks with attractive commission to local agents and fishers.

A fishermen’s association representative from Vellayil reveals that some of the mechanised boat operators around Beypore and Puthiyappa harbours have been working as agents for industrial buyers. He says some operators who earlier withdrew from the activity after enforcement squads impounded several boats are now back in the illegal business.

“Although several boats suspected of violating fishing regulations were impounded in previous years, the enforcement drive did not continue consistently. The move to use the Karunya Marine Ambulance for this purpose also did not take off,” says a Harbour Development Committee member from Beypore. He points out that there should be a dedicated team with patrol boats to enforce the rules.

A retired Fisheries department officer says Keralam has around 60 fish varieties on its notified Minimum Legal Size list, based on recommendations from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). He points out that the prescribed minimum sizes for sardines and mackerel are 10 cm and 15 cm, respectively, and the Fisheries department is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations.

Meanwhile, police officers from the Marine Enforcement Squad under the Fisheries department claim that flash inspections are under way, covering the suspected harbours to check for illegal practices. Fishers who come across any organised gangs should pass on details to the Fisheries department to ensure prompt action, they point out.