SEAI Kerala has called for urgent government intervention as Kerala drops to fifth place in seafood exports, citing reduced fishing days and environmental regulations. The association recommends aquaculture promotion, foreign vessel control, and sustainable waste management in fishing operations.
Kochi : Amid growing environmental impacts and export-related challenges, the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Kerala Region, has urged the government to take urgent action to safeguard the livelihoods of over 1.4 million people who depend on the seafood trade. Kerala, with a 590 km coastline spanning 9 coastal districts, has seen its ranking in seafood exports drop from first to fifth position, primarily due to a decline in fish availability, according to M.R. Premachandra Bhatt, President of SEAI Kerala.
He cited that weather-related fishing bans have increased compared to previous years, and the 52-day monsoon trawling ban from June 9 to July 31 currently in place is further affecting fishing days. In fact, fishing days in Kerala have decreased from around 250 days to nearly 100 days annually. During India’s trawling bans, foreign factory ships from nations such as China and Taiwan continue fishing in Indian waters, leading to resource exploitation. SEAI demanded that both central and state governments enforce stricter regulations to prevent such incursions. To address the decline in fish stocks, Bhatt emphasized the urgent need to promote commercial aquaculture, encourage sustainable fishing practices, and boost the production of export-focused species like shrimp. Strengthening coastal surveillance and regulation is also vital, he added. “It is unacceptable that while our fishermen face strict regulations, foreign vessels exploit our waters without restraint,” Bhatt remarked.
The association also called for the mandatory installation of TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices) in trawl nets to protect marine biodiversity. The devices have already received approval and are available through ICAR-CIFT. Government-level implementation must begin once the ban is lifted. Furthermore, SEAI proposed that all fishing boats be equipped with special sacks to collect plastic waste, preventing marine pollution by bringing the waste back to shore for proper disposal. This eco-friendly initiative should be rolled out across all major fishing harbours in India.
