While inland fish populations are under threat, fish farming is experiencing significant revenue growth in the state. In the Kozhikode district, there were around 5,000 fish farmers in 2021-22. Now, that number has grown to 7,708.
Projects under the Fisheries Department, such as ‘Matsya Keralam’, ‘Subhiksha Keralam’, ‘Janakeeya Matsyakrishi’, and the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY), have provided support for this growth. Tilapia is the most cultivated fish in the district, with 1.50 lakh kilograms of Tilapia produced in 2023-24. While 671 tonnes of fish were produced in 2022-23, this increased to 998 tonnes in 2023-24, showing a 327-tonne rise in just one year.
Endangered species like the Varaal (Snakehead Murrel) are also making a comeback. As part of the ‘Janakeeya Matsyakrishi’ initiative, last year, 69 farmers in the district were given 75,000 Varaal fingerlings. Additionally, as part of the Fish Farming Scheme in Shallow Ponds, 1,28,260 Varaal fingerlings were distributed to 220 farmers across various panchayats. Although there is demand for farmed Varaal, the issue of not getting a price proportionate to the expenses incurred is a challenge. Another major issue faced by fish farmers is marketing. With many people entering fish farming, the market has become saturated. People who are accustomed to eating only sea fish are also hesitant to accept farmed fish.
Fish fingerlings released into rivers
As part of a fisheries department initiative to increase fish wealth in the water bodies, 5 lakh fish fingerlings have been released into the Kuttiady River since 2022. For three consecutive years, fingerlings will be released in the same area. However, it will take some more time to see the results. The Fisheries Department has noted an increase in the availability of Karimeen (Pearl Spot) and Poomeen (Milkfish) in the Kuttiady River. In addition to tiger prawns, pearl spot, and milkfish, species like Cutla, Rohu, Mrigal, and freshwater prawns have also been stocked. A major challenge faced by this project is fishing right after the fingerlings are released. Although the Fisheries Department enforces a fishing ban during this period, some people still cast nets, resulting in the destruction of the fingerlings caught in the net.
Protection for Karimeen (Pearl Spot)
Given the declining number of Pearl Spots, the Fisheries Department has launched a project to protect them. The project is being implemented in the Maniyur Grama Panchayat, where one hectare of land will be declared a Pearl Spot protection zone. Fishing will be completely banned in this area, and the project’s duration will be three years. In an area of 65.334 hectares, 4,57,338 Pearl Spot fingerlings have been distributed to 129 farmers. Additionally, 80 cage fish farmers have received Pearl Spot fingerlings for 105 cages.