PANJIM: In a major setback to the fisheries industries, there has been a sharp decline in the sardine catch, mainly in the south west coast of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala.

According to the latest Fisheries Department statistics, a catch of 18,154 (January to June) tonnes of sardines was recorded against 33,326 tonnes in 2016.

The sardine catch, which is the single largest contributor towards the total catch, has drastically fallen over the last few years. In 2015 the sardine catch had been 57,270 tonnes.

Superintendent of Fisheries, Chandrakant Velip said, “The catch of sardines has been going down drastically not only in Goa but other coastal states of Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra.”

Velip added, “There are many reasons for the decline in the sardine catch, which could be the deep sea effect and mainly the El Nino effect and other climatic changes. Other reasons can be the excessive fishing of juvenile fish. We have asked CMFRI to conduct a study on the decline in catch,” Velip said.

Scientists at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) attributed the sharp fall in sardine landings to several reasons including rising water temperature, the El Nino effect and over-exploitation. The catching of spawning stocks and algal bloom has also played a role in the declining trend.

The institute has also carried out a special review of the situation on the decline in sardine catch as it will affect the livelihood of the fishermen community.

“After 2012, there has been serious disruption in the timing of breeding and strength of environmental events like upwelling in the Arabian Sea. Also excessive fishing on the stock beyond the maximum sustainable yield and excessive capture of juveniles has led to a famine in the sardine stock in the Arabian Sea off Goa,” said an expert.

Experts have further revealed that global warming has impacted fish eggs in streams or on the sea floor as they require a minimum current speed for oxygenation. Species of sardines, require fresh water to induce spawning while it has been said that increased heat and less freshwater because of deficient rainfall can disrupt the process.

The Fisheries Department has also requested CMFRI to carry out impact studies of LED on fisheries resources. Goa’s traditional fishermen have opposed the use of LED lights by trawlers on grounds that it is affecting fish production. There had been violent protests by fishermen some months ago, and boat owners had even blocked River Mandovi in protest.

Trawler owners said that the decline in sardine catch has also resulted in decline in the exports. “There is definitely a decline in the sardine catch. The catch has been falling in the last few years and this has impacted exports,” said All Goa Purse Seine Boat Owners Association president and trawler owner Harshad Dhond.