March 24, 2025

Kerala, India fishing community hit hard by extreme weather

Extreme weather conditions and climate change are taking a heavy toll on the fishing community in Kerala, India, leading to a considerable loss of fishing days, reduced catch, and declining profitability.

A recent study by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) highlights the growing challenges faced by fishermen, including the vulnerability of fishing gear and nets due to inadequate protective infrastructure.

Severe climatic conditions have also triggered a series of other problems, including the flooding of homesteads during high tides, water pollution, coastal erosion, and infrastructure deterioration. These conditions and their impacts had disproportionately affected small-scale fishermen with limited adaptive capacity, the study says.

According to the study, 72.7% of respondents cited a reduction in fish production as the most prominent issue, followed by a potential decrease in overall catch and income. A total of 62.7% observed diminished catches of various fish species, while 60.8% reported a decline in fish population and diversity.

Fishermen also noted alterations in fishing seasons, seawater intrusion into freshwater areas, and rising operational costs.

However, there was awareness and acknowledgement of climate change among the majority of the 905 respondents surveyed between December 2023 and March 2024. The challenges posed by flooding, saltwater intrusion, and sea-level rise underscored the need for comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies, the study says.

Data for the study was collected from randomly selected representatives of fishermen's families across all nine coastal districts of Kerala. The community representatives surveyed were predominantly from low-income groups with limited educational attainment and financial resources but substantial organisational support.

- The Hindu