Mangaluru: The fishing season along the Karnataka coast has started on an encouraging note, with fishermen reporting a satisfactory catch during the first two months despite concerns over adverse weather conditions. According to Fisheries Department statistics, a total of 43,200 metric tonnes of fish were caught in August and September, raising hopes of a productive season in the coming months.
Fishermen said the catch so far had been satisfactory, particularly after the resumption of fishing following the annual two-month fishing ban. If the trend continues for another two to three months, the current season could turn out to be a good one for the fishing community.
Fishermen hopeful after satisfactory start
The beginning of the fishing season is usually marked by high expectations among fishermen, who look forward to resuming operations after the seasonal ban. During this period, almost all fishing boats venture into the sea in the hope of securing a good catch.
This season, boats that ventured into the deep sea have managed to bring back fish, offering some reassurance to fishermen despite concerns about unfavourable weather conditions.
The initial results have raised hopes that fishing activity will remain productive in the weeks ahead. However, fishermen said the overall performance of the season would depend on whether the current trend continued over the next two to three months.
The fishing industry along the Karnataka coast depends on several factors, including weather conditions, the availability of fish, sea conditions and the ability of boats to venture out regularly. Any prolonged disruption caused by adverse weather can affect fishing trips and the quantity of fish landed at ports.
For now, the satisfactory catch during August and September has provided an encouraging start for the sector.
Different fishing boats bring in varied catches
The type of fish being landed varies according to the fishing methods used by different categories of boats.
Purse seine boats are bringing in sardines and mackerel, two varieties that are commonly caught along the coastal waters. These catches contribute to the availability of fish in local markets and support the trade linked to the fishing industry.
Trawlers, meanwhile, are catching varieties locally known as kappe bondas, disco, muru and pambol. Smaller fishing boats are bringing in prawns and manji fish.
The different catches reflect the range of fishing activities operating along the coast. Purse seine boats, trawlers and smaller vessels each play a role in supplying fish to markets, although their catches vary depending on the species available and the conditions at sea.
A sustained supply from these different categories of boats would help maintain fishing activity and provide continued business for those involved in the sector.
August and September catch totals 43,200 tonnes
According to Fisheries Department figures, fishermen recorded a catch of 18,000 metric tonnes in August. The quantity increased to 25,200 metric tonnes in September.
Together, the two months accounted for 43,200 metric tonnes of fish.
The September catch was higher than the August figure by 7,200 metric tonnes, indicating an improvement in the quantity landed during the second month of the season.
However, the cumulative catch for the first two months remains below the corresponding figures recorded in recent years.
| Fishing season | Catch in August and September |
|---|---|
| Current season | 43,200 tonnes |
| 2024–25 | 45,050 tonnes |
| 2023–24 | 44,024 tonnes |
| Corresponding period last year | 53,757 tonnes |
The figures show that the current season’s catch is 10,557 tonnes lower than the corresponding period last year. It is also below the totals recorded during the same period in 2024–25 and 2023–24.
Despite the year-on-year difference, fishermen remain hopeful that the catch will improve as the season progresses. The next two to three months are expected to be important in determining whether the current season can achieve a stronger overall performance.
Annual fish availability shows an increase
While the opening months of the current season have recorded a lower catch than the corresponding period last year, Fisheries Department statistics point to an increase in annual fish availability in recent financial years.
During 2024–25, a total of 1,71,795 tonnes of fish were caught, with the catch valued at Rs 2,220 crore.
In 2025–26, the total catch rose to 1,97,381 tonnes, while its value increased to Rs 3,856 crore.
This represents an increase of 25,586 tonnes in the annual quantity of fish caught between the two financial years. The reported value of the catch also rose substantially, reflecting the higher overall value of fish landed during the period.
The figures have encouraged Fisheries Department officials to remain optimistic about the prospects for the current season. They have expressed hope that the rising trend in annual fish availability will continue and that the current season will also yield a good catch.
However, the annual figures cover the entire financial year and should be distinguished from the August–September totals used to assess the opening months of the present fishing season.
Weather remains a key factor
Despite the encouraging reports from fishermen, weather conditions remain an important consideration for the months ahead.
Fishing operations can be affected when rough seas or unfavourable weather prevent boats from venturing out. The frequency of fishing trips and the availability of fish will therefore play a significant role in determining the season’s final catch.
For fishermen, a productive season is important not only for the quantity of fish landed but also for sustaining the livelihoods of boat owners, crew members and others associated with the fishing trade.
The supply of sardines, mackerel, prawns and other varieties also supports the wider seafood market, including fish vendors, traders and businesses involved in handling and transporting the catch.
With 43,200 tonnes of fish recorded during August and September, the season has made a reasonable start, even though the figures remain below those of the corresponding period last year.
Fishermen are now looking towards the coming months with cautious optimism. If weather conditions remain favourable and the catch improves, the current fishing season could deliver better results and build on the growth in annual fish availability recorded in recent years.