The recent lifting of the trawling ban off coast of Kerala has not sparked the expected enthusiasm among fishers, as adverse weather conditions have hindered fishing activities. Despite the end of the 52-day prohibition on Saturday, August 1,2026, many vessel operators were forced to delay their plans due to warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding gusty winds and inclement weather.
On July 31 and August 1,the IMD cautioned fishers against venturing into the waters off Kerala,Karnataka, and the Lakshadweep islands . While some boats from Kochi set sail despite the warnings, many returned shortly after due to unfavorable conditions. A few larger vessels,measuring around 20 meters,proceeded further out but have yet to return .
P.P. Gireesh, secretary of the Trawlnet Boat Owners Association,expressed optimism about future fishing prospects, stating, “More boats will go to the sea in the coming days from Kalamukku harbour at Vypeen. In the initial days, we are expecting a good catch of pink perch.” However, the immediate outlook remains bleak.
The traditional fishing sector, which had hoped for a boost during the ban, is facing disappointment. Many artisanal fishers anticipated that the trawling prohibition would allow them to benefit from reduced competition in nearshore waters. Yet,the expected bounty has not materialized . Yesudas Parappilly,the district secretary of Matsyathozhilali Union (CITU),lamented the poor catch,attributing it to dry weather conditions. He noted that the lack of income has plunged traditional fisherfolk into financial crisis,complicating their ability to repay loans taken for boat repairs .
Parappilly urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into struggles faced by traditional fishers and to provide a financial package to support them. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the fishing industry in Kerala, where weather patterns and regulatory measures significantly impact livelihoods.
