<p>Mangaluru: With a decline in the fish catch, a majority of the fishing boats have remained anchored in Dakshina Kannada district.</p>.<p>According to the fisheries department’s data, the fish catch has been declining since December by 16,255 tonnes (till February end) when compared to 2023-24. The overall fish catch since December was 20,389 tonnes against 36,644 tonnes last year.</p>.<p>Fisheries department joint director Siddaiah told <span class="italic">DH</span> that the overall fish catch from April 2024 to February 2025 was 2,55,923 tonnes against 2,32,966 tonnes during the corresponding period last year. However, the overall fish catch has not benefited all the fishermen in the district.</p>.<p>Though the fishing season began on a promising note, there has been sharp decline in the catch. The change in sea temperature has led to the migration of fish shoals. Excessive fishing is also one of the reasons, say officials.</p>.<p>Chethan Bengre, president of the Mangalore Trawl Boat Association attributes the fish crisis to unscientific fishing, including light fishing, bull trawling and other harmful methods along with the rise in temperature.</p>.<p>“The situation has worsened over the years. Indiscriminate use of light fishing has caused a huge damage. There is a need for uniform fishing ban across the entire west coast to help the fish to facilitate breeding,” he said.</p>.<p>“Though fishermen have been demanding uniform fishing ban, the government has failed to listen them,” he alleged.</p>
<p>Mangaluru: With a decline in the fish catch, a majority of the fishing boats have remained anchored in Dakshina Kannada district.</p>.<p>According to the fisheries department’s data, the fish catch has been declining since December by 16,255 tonnes (till February end) when compared to 2023-24. The overall fish catch since December was 20,389 tonnes against 36,644 tonnes last year.</p>.<p>Fisheries department joint director Siddaiah told <span class="italic">DH</span> that the overall fish catch from April 2024 to February 2025 was 2,55,923 tonnes against 2,32,966 tonnes during the corresponding period last year. However, the overall fish catch has not benefited all the fishermen in the district.</p>.<p>Though the fishing season began on a promising note, there has been sharp decline in the catch. The change in sea temperature has led to the migration of fish shoals. Excessive fishing is also one of the reasons, say officials.</p>.<p>Chethan Bengre, president of the Mangalore Trawl Boat Association attributes the fish crisis to unscientific fishing, including light fishing, bull trawling and other harmful methods along with the rise in temperature.</p>.<p>“The situation has worsened over the years. Indiscriminate use of light fishing has caused a huge damage. There is a need for uniform fishing ban across the entire west coast to help the fish to facilitate breeding,” he said.</p>.<p>“Though fishermen have been demanding uniform fishing ban, the government has failed to listen them,” he alleged.</p>