Juvenile catch is a concern along the Malabar coast

Surveillance is yet to be strengthened at various ports in Kozhikode district to curb the catch and sale of juvenile fish. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

The growing practice of large-scale underfishing along the Malabar coast has raised concerns about the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) regulation.

Fishermen from the coastal areas of Kozhikode district say that the young varieties of fish are allegedly caught in large quantities and transported to other states for industrial use, including the production of fish meal, fish oil, fish powder and fertilizers. The growing demand for such stocks is forcing many to stock the stock, raising concerns about the possible depletion of fish stocks and its long-term impact on the fishing industry, they warn.

Major fishing centers including Chaliyam, Koyilanda, Chombala and Vellayil in Kozhikode are among the places reportedly affected. There are no permanent inspection mechanisms at these locations, although a naval force platoon conducts occasional inspections.

Representatives of the All Kerala Fish Merchants Association say juvenile sardines and mackerel are among the main species being harvested. The illegal stock is allegedly transported to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa and Gujarat for industrial processing and other commercial uses, they added.

According to them, both local and migrant workers are involved in harvesting undersized fish for additional income. Fertilizer companies outside Keralam are said to be buying such supplies at an attractive commission to local agents and fishermen.

A fishing association representative from Vellayil reveals that some mechanized boat operators around Beypore and Puthiyappa ports were working as agents for industrial buyers. He says some operators who previously went out of business after law enforcement seized several boats are now back in the illegal business.

“Though several boats suspected of violating fishing regulations have been impounded in previous years, enforcement has not continued consistently. The move to use the Karunya Marine Rescue Service for this purpose has also not taken off,” says a member of the Port Development Committee from Beypore. He points out that there should be a dedicated team with patrol boats to enforce the rules.

A retired fisheries department officer says Keralam has around 60 species of fish in its notified list of minimum allowable sizes based on the recommendations of the Center for Marine Fisheries Research (CMFRI). He points out that the prescribed minimum sizes for sardines and mackerel are 10 cm and 15 cm, respectively, and the Department of Fisheries is primarily responsible for compliance with these regulations.

Meanwhile, officers from the Marine Enforcement Squad under the fisheries department say blitz inspections are underway to cover suspected ports to check illegal practices. Fishermen who come across any organized gangs should pass on the details to the fisheries department to ensure swift action, they cautioned.

Published – 9 Oct 2026 19:34 IST