Muthalapozhi fishing harbour, notorious for its string of tragic accidents, is finally facing a push for safety upgrades. The Union government has urged Kerala to submit a comprehensive proposal by year’s end, merging its existing ₹50 crore modernization plan with recommendations from a crucial study. For decades, Muthalapozhi has been a chilling backdrop to countless fishing boat mishaps, claiming over 60 lives. The government, under pressure, commissioned a study by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) to tackle the navigational woes plaguing the harbour. Its findings are expected by December, holding the key to unlocking a safer future for fishermen. But action is already underway. The Adani Group, contracted in 2018 to maintain the harbour’s depth, is under scrutiny. Their dredging commitment to keep the entrance and channel clear is crucial for safe navigation. Meanwhile, the state’s proposed ₹50 crore modernization plan, encompassing infrastructure upgrades like electrification, surveillance, and cold storage, is being reviewed. The Union government’s push for a comprehensive proposal goes beyond mere infrastructure. In response to a recent tragedy, they dispatched a technical team to assess the situation. Their recommendations, covering both immediate and long-term solutions, will be incorporated into the final plan. This renewed focus on safety marks a turning point for Muthalapozhi. The combined efforts of the Union government, the CWPRS study, and the state’s modernization plan offer hope for a future where fishermen can navigate these waters with confidence, leaving behind the dark legacy of accidents and returning home safely to their families.

While Chennai recovers from Cyclone Michaung’s wrath, an unexpected bounty has washed ashore at the Kasimedu fishing harbor. Over 1,000 tonnes of export-quality fish, from groupers and red snappers to prawns and rockfish, have flooded the market, impacting prices and igniting hope for the city’s fishermen. “It’s a post-cyclone surprise,” declares V Balaji, a Kasimedu boat owner. His eyes light up as he describes the booming demand for groupers, particularly from international markets. This newfound abundance, attributed to cyclone-induced movement and fishermen venturing out after the storm, has sent prices plummeting. The prized vanjiram, normally fetching ₹1,000 per kg, now sells at a mere ₹600, while the red snapper has lost its premium price tag altogether. Balaraman, a Kasimedu trader, explains the prawn bonanza with a grin. “The rains stirred things up, sending these beauties our way,” he says, gesturing towards overflowing baskets of crustaceans. The sudden influx has brought smiles to consumers’ faces and concerns to fishermen’s hearts. “We were unsure what to expect after the cyclone,” admits Muthukumaran, the secretary of the Deepsea Fishing Boat Owners’ Association. But the discovery of groupers, a high-value export species, paints a brighter picture for the future. This, he believes, indicates the potential for sustained catches of export-quality fish in the days to come. Cyclone Michaung may have left its mark on Chennai, but the Kasimedu fishing harbor is now awash in a different kind of storm – a storm of silver scales and bustling trade. While challenges remain, this unexpected bounty offers a chance for Chennai’s fishermen to weather the storm and find new opportunities in the turbulent waters.

Across the coasts of Africa and Asia, a shared challenge unites nations: the need for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices. Recognizing this common thread, the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) has brought together officials and researchers from eight member countries for a crucial 10-day workshop-cum-training program at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at Kochi, Kerala, India. The workshop’s focus is clear: to foster collaboration and equip nations with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges facing their fisheries sectors. From the trans-boundary nature of marine resources to the ever-present threat of climate change, these countries require a unified front to ensure the health of their oceans and the livelihoods of their fishermen. As Rami Mahmoud Abdel Halim Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary-General of AARDO, aptly stated, “Balancing exploitation and utilization of marine resources is critical for the health of the ocean and the sustainability of the food production system.” This workshop serves as a platform to share best practices, technological advancements, and innovative approaches to sustainable fisheries management. The program’s agenda is ambitious, delving into key areas like fisheries management, fish stock estimation, responsible fisheries practices, and climate change mitigation. Participants from Oman, Egypt, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh will gain hands-on training in areas like cage farming, seaweed farming, fish breeding, and value addition technologies. The significance of this collaboration extends beyond the immediate benefits of knowledge sharing. As Khushnood Ali, Head of the Research Division and Programme Coordinator of AARDO, pointed out, “Establishing a resilient and sustainable food system is necessary for eradicating hunger, addressing rural poverty, and for inclusive growth.” By bridging the technological divide and fostering cooperation, African-Asian nations can unlock the true potential of their fisheries sectors, ensuring food security and economic prosperity for generations to come. This workshop is not just about tackling technical challenges; it’s about building a community of nations united by a shared vision. By working together, African-Asian countries can chart a course towards a future where their oceans thrive, their fishermen prosper, and the bounty of the sea is enjoyed sustainably for years to come.

In a major boost to the fisheries sector in Goa, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has earmarked Rs 310 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This significant investment, with a central contribution of Rs 120 crore, aims to modernize and expand the state’s fisheries infrastructure, enhance productivity, and improve the lives of fishermen. Responding to MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade’s queries in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry outlined a comprehensive strategy for Goa’s fisheries development. This includes: Support for traditional fishermen: The initiative will provide vital assistance to traditional fishermen through access to communication/tracking devices, sea safety kits, insurance coverage, and alternative livelihood opportunities. Modernization and technology adoption: Funding will support the construction of new ponds, installation of fish cages, promotion of ornamental fisheries, and establishment of fish feed mills, all of which will utilize cutting-edge technology to increase productivity and income generation. Deep-sea fishing: The scheme aims to bolster deep-sea fishing capabilities by facilitating the acquisition of new vessels, enhancing the reach and catch of fishermen. Skills development and training: Comprehensive training programs will be implemented to equip fishermen with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate modern equipment, adopt sustainable fishing practices, and enhance their overall efficiency. Goa, with its existing fish productivity of 3-4 tonnes/hectare, has already witnessed significant progress under PMMSY. Over the past three years, the state has received approvals totaling Rs 107.9 crore for various developmental projects. This investment has supported diverse initiatives, ranging from pond construction to the promotion of high-income generating activities like ornamental fisheries. The additional Rs 310 crore injection is expected to further accelerate Goa’s fisheries growth, fostering a vibrant and sustainable sector that benefits both fishermen and consumers alike. The modernization efforts, coupled with skill development and technology adoption, will empower fishermen to improve their livelihoods and contribute significantly to the state’s economic development.