Three fish varieties on the verge of extinction along Karnataka coast

A recent survey by Central Marine Fisheries Research has not only pointed to a gradual decline in fish haul along the Karnataka coastline, but also put three species of fish, which enjoy a high export demand, among the varieties that were on the verge of extinction.

Catfish, Anchoviella and Cuttle fish, which were found in abundance along the coast of Karnataka prior to introduction of mechanized boating, are rarely found nowadays, said a survey carried out recently by Mangalore-based Central Marine Fisheries Research.

The Catfish catch had declined to an all-time low of 500 tonnes annually from 5,000 tonnes during the 80s. Similiarly, there is a drastic decline in Anchoviella and Cuttlefish, which enjoy a huge export demand. The Institute attributed selective fishing of the two varieties since the 80s to huge decline in their catch.

In the last one decade, marine fish catch along the Karnataka coast had plummeted by 15,000 tonnes from 185,000 tonnes in the 90s to 170,000 tonnes presently. The fish haul had declined despite more than 12,000 mechanised fishing boats and an equal number of other fishing boats operating in the coast.

While mechanized boats account for ninety per cent of the fish catch, non-mechanized boats contribute barely 4 per cent. Oil sardines, pink perch, prawns, squids and mackerel are among the most popular fish varieties along the Karnataka coast.

The Institute has emphasized the need for clear-cut regulations on large scale fishing in highly sensitive marine areas if the decline in fish haul is to be stemmed.

Though the Federal Government had stopped issuing any fresh licenses to foreign trawlers, the continuous mechanized fishing for eight to ten days by local fishermen is said to be the main reason behind the decline in fish catch.

Fisheries Department officials in Karnataka have expressed their helplessness in imposing restrictions on fishing boats, particularly in the high seas beyond 12 nautical miles. Even though the Mangalore Port restricts fishing boats from neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu, fishing boats from all over the country are allowed to fish in the high seas beyond 12 nautical miles.