Kerala’s fisheries sector calls for Govt support to tide over the crisis 

The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Kerala Region, has called for immediate government intervention to avert a deepening crisis threatening the livelihoods of over 1.4 million people in the State due to environmental setbacks and surging export challenges.

SEAI Kerala President M.R. Premachandra Bhat pointed out that Kerala, once the leading state in seafood exports, has now slipped to fifth place, largely due to adverse ecological impacts.

The 590-km coastline and nine coastal districts are currently experiencing a reduction in fishing days—from around 300 to just 100 annually—due to adverse weather conditions, regulatory fishing bans, and the ongoing 52-day trawling ban. Compounding the crisis is the continued illegal fishing by foreign factory vessels from China and Taiwan during these restricted periods, which severely depletes local marine resources.

Highlighting the need to boost domestic production, he urged the government to promote commercial aquaculture and incentivize sustainable shrimp farming initiatives. Without adequate raw material like shrimp, the most advanced processing facility become a silent warehouse.

Another top priority, he said, is the immediate rollout of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets. These devices are not only vital for conserving marine resources but are also essential to maintain access to eco-conscious export markets like the United States.

Amidst rising global challenges—including freight disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, and instability along key shipping routes—India’s seafood exporters are under growing pressure to stay competitive against aggressive players like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ecuador.

Nearly 80 per cent of Kerala’s fish processing workforce comprises skilled women, employed across over 850 peeling sheds and 100 processing units.

Recognizing the sector as one of the most significant women-oriented industries, SEAI stressed the need for uninterrupted employment opportunities throughout the year. To achieve this, the association called for easier access to working capital loans, enabling the purchase of raw materials during peak seasons and allowing continued processing during lean months.

Published on June 15, 2025