Poor Catch, Weather Disruptions Hit Dakshina Kannada Fishermen

Poor Catch, Weather Disruptions Hit Dakshina Kannada Fishermen

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 9, 2026: Traditional fishermen in Dakshina Kannada are facing a difficult monsoon season, with frequent weather alerts and poor catches limiting fishing activity to just about 14 days so far, compared with nearly 25 days normally available in July.

The reduced fishing window, coupled with rising operational costs and low catches, has severely affected fishermen’s earnings. Ashwath, president of the Karavali Mula Meenugarara Sanghatane and a nadadoni operator, said weather warnings and district administration advisories had kept fishermen ashore for much of the season.

“Even when we venture into the sea, the catch is often insufficient to cover fuel and other expenses,” he said. While a few fishermen earned ₹60,000–₹70,000 on Thursday, such returns were uncommon.

Ashwath said kerosene expenses alone had risen to around ₹10,000 a day. Poor catches are also forcing fishermen to travel farther towards Manjeshwar and Padubidri, increasing fuel costs.

Sardines have remained relatively plentiful, but catches of prawns and croaker, important monsoon varieties, are significantly lower than last year. Sardines sold for ₹100–₹150 a kg on Thursday before touching ₹260 a kg on Friday.

Fishermen also attributed the decline in fish availability to practices such as light fishing, deep-sea fishing and bull trawling, besides the frequent weather disruptions.