KOCHI: Expressing concern over the Kolachil fishing method in the state, a Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) report has said that the system would slowly wipe out the cuttlefish resource in the state.
Kolachil fishing involves using the stem of coconut tree to form structures with a view to attracting fishes, mainly cuttlefish, in the Malabar area of the state, a report published by the MPEDA has said.
Catching of cuttlefish by positioning the Kolachil on the seabed causes depletion of natural stock.
Reproduction of future stock will be hit as the adults will be attracted to the artificial breeding units and will be removed without giving a chance to lay eggs, the report said. This will affect the ecosystem as a whole and the cuttlefish population as well, it said.
The Kolachil serves as a shelter for cuttlefish to lay the eggs. The fishermen return to the spot where Kolachil is set after three to four days.
The method causes widespread destruction of female fish, it said.
The report said there was no concerted effort to stop the practice.
Kolachil set in the sea bed entangles with fishing nets of the local fishermen, damaging the nets and leading to tension between local fishermen and those engaged in Kolachil fishing, it said.
The report called for a concerted effort to ban this type of fishing to protect the cuttlefish.
The fishing technique is similar to the Padal fishing technique used in Ashtamudi Lake during the nineties.
The Padal fishing led to clashes between the local communities which resulted in its total ban by the government, it said.
For Kolachil fishing, an amount of Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 is spent which helps in netting 300 to 400 kilograms of cuttlefish in a single catch.