The Dakshina Kannada district has witnessed a significant decline in annual fish catch due to the adverse effects of climate change. According to the Dakshina Kannada Fisheries Department, the total fish production for the fiscal year 2023-24 has plummeted to 1.8 lakh metric tonnes, marking a staggering 43% decrease compared to the previous year.
Ad
Factors Contributing to Decline:
- El Nino Phenomenon: The impact of El Nino has disrupted fish shoals’ migration patterns, leading to poor nutrient inflow and a decline in fish catch during April-May.
- Extreme Weather Events: Changes in rainfall patterns and soaring temperatures, with sea surface temperatures reaching 33°C and atmospheric temperatures hitting 39°C along the Mangaluru Coast, have exacerbated the situation.
- Concerns for Future: Experts warn of potential impacts later in the year, with the La Nina effect expected during the monsoon, potentially resulting in above-normal rainfall and flooding by August.
Challenges and Environmental Concerns:
- Human Factors: Excessive fishing practices, demand for trash fish by fish meal units, over-mechanization, and unregulated fishing methods such as bull trawling and bottom trawling have contributed to marine habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
- Sustainability Concerns: These practices pose significant challenges in sustaining fish populations and preserving marine ecosystems, threatening the livelihoods of fisherfolk and the coastal communities.
The decline in fish catch underscores the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices and proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
