Kerala’s fishing boat operators are urgently appealing to the State government for support as they grapple with a severe financial crisis threatening the viability of the State’s approximately 3,600 trawling vessels. The operators cite a combination of escalating operational costs, crippling debt, and destabilizing international market pressures as key reasons for their plea.
Joseph Xavier Kalapurackal, representing the All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators’ Association, highlighted the dire situation, noting that many boat owners are burdened with debts ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh. These debts stem from the high costs of building and maintaining vessels, coupled with daily operational expenses that operators are increasingly unable to recoup.
The situation has been significantly worsened by recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Indian seafood. This trade measure has spooked exporters, who have responded by cutting the prices they pay for catches, directly impacting the already strained finances of the boat operators.
Furthermore, operators point to persistently high fuel prices, exacerbated by the government’s refusal to reduce the cess on diesel, as a major operational hurdle. While acknowledging climate change as a significant underlying factor impacting fish stocks and operational success, the operators feel immediate government action on controllable costs is necessary.
A key point of contention for the boat operators is the perceived disparity in government support. They argue that while seafood exporters benefit from incentives like excise duty reductions and investment subsidies, the primary producers – the boat operators themselves – receive no comparable assistance. They also allege that instead of facilitating their operations, authorities sometimes impede their efforts to catch fish destined for export markets.
Adding to their concerns is the government’s policy regarding older vessels. The association is urging officials to reconsider the planned refusal to renew registration and licenses for wooden boats over 12 years old and steel boats over 15 years old. They propose that vessel seaworthiness and efficiency should be determined through individual checks rather than an age-based blanket ban.
Facing pressure from multiple fronts, the fishing boat operators are looking to the Kerala government for immediate intervention and a comprehensive support package to navigate the current storm and ensure the sector’s survival.