Livelihood of small fishermen in danger

Puri: Livelihood of nearly 21,000 fishermen in 81 villages along the coastline of Odisha is now in danger due to significant drop in marine resources within 10 km radius from the shore. Unable to earn enough from fishing activities, several fishermen have reportedly opted to work as daily wage workers.

They claimed only 60 varieties of fish are available these days near Penthakata shore in Puri against 200 varieties of fish that were found earlier.

“Every day we are facing difficulties in getting fish due to which we are unable to meet our daily expenses,” said Eripili Deuri, a fisherman.

Fish traders also feel the pinch due to an increase in prices of fish.

“As availability of fish has declined these days, prices have increased higher range,” said Sukanta Behera, a trader from Astaranga.

Besides, mass death of fish was seen along the shore due to rampant trawler fishing in the sea.

“Fishing activities by big trawlers are affecting marine ecosystem, thereby causing harm to ecological balance,” said secretary of the fishermen association, Babula Prasad.

On the other hand, environmentalists tribute the drop in marine population to rise in pollution and decline in availability of food in sea for the species.

“Water quality should be examined. Besides, study should be carried out to find out how much food is available for marine species,” said environmentalist Biswajit Mohanty.

Meanwhile, Astarang additional fisheries officer Sudhansu Mallick said a team of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) would soon visit the State to examine the situation.

“We have already informed the CMFRI about the fall in marine resources. They have agreed to send a team to take stock of the situation,” Mallick stated.