Kerala fisheries crisis: Seafood exporters seek govt support

Kochi: Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Kerala region, sought immediate govt assistance to address a severe crisis affecting the livelihoods of 1.4 million people in the state, following environmental difficulties and export-related challenges.

SEAI Kerala president, Premachandra Bhat, said Kerala has declined from its position as the leading seafood exporter to fifth place, primarily due to environmental impacts. The state's 590km coastline and nine coastal districts have seen fishing days reduced from 300 to 100 annually. This reduction is attributed to poor weather, fishing restrictions and the current 52-day trawling ban until July 31. The situation worsens as foreign factory vessels from China and Taiwan continue illegal fishing during restricted periods, diminishing local marine resources.

"We urgently need stronger coastal surveillance and regulatory enforcement. While our fishermen face strict restrictions, foreign vessels continue to plunder our seas unchecked," Bhat said.

He emphasised the critical need for increased domestic production. "Shrimp is the crown jewel of our exports. But without adequate raw material, even the most advanced processing facility becomes nothing more than a silent warehouse," he warned, advocating for govt support in commercial aquaculture and sustainable shrimp farming.

Bhat identified the implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets as a crucial priority, essential for marine conservation and maintaining access to environmentally conscious markets like the United States. "We have the technology. We have the necessary approvals. What we now need is administrative will—an urgent push to implement TEDs without further delay," he said.

Global challenges, including transport disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions and shipping route instability, are pressuring Indian seafood exporters to maintain competitiveness against China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Ecuador. Kerala's industry continues to advance through initiatives like the Plastic-Free Seas Project, where fishermen collect marine plastic waste for proper disposal. "This is a model for the nation. It proves that sustainable practices and profitability can go hand in hand," Bhat added.

Women constitute 80% of Kerala's fish processing workforce, operating in over 850 peeling sheds and 100 processing units. Highlighting the sector's significance as a women-oriented industry in Kerala, SEAI said there is a need for year-round employment. The association requested improved access to working capital loans for raw material procurement during peak seasons and continuous processing in lean periods.

"When you support this industry, you are not just protecting exports—you are empowering thousands of women and securing countless family incomes," he said, adding that the govt should utilise Kerala's NRI-supported banking system to provide targeted assistance for fish processing facilities.