Industry representatives estimate that only about 15 per cent of the region's fishing fleet is currently active, with the majority of vessels remaining anchored due to unviable conditions at sea.

According to Chethan Bengre, president of the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Association, the unusual spike in sea surface temperatures has significantly altered fish behaviour. Warmer waters have pushed fish populations into deeper zones, making it increasingly difficult for traditional trawl nets to secure sufficient catch. As a result, even extended fishing trips are yielding minimal returns, leaving operators struggling to recover basic operational costs.

The financial burden on fishing operators has escalated sharply in recent weeks. Bengre highlighted that a single fishing expedition now requires a catch worth at least ₹12 lakh merely to break even or generate a modest profit. However, under prevailing conditions, such yields have become extremely rare.

Fuel costs remain a major contributor to the crisis. Diesel, which is essential for operating trawl boats, has seen supply disruptions at designated fishing fuel stations. This shortage has been attributed partly to ongoing international conflicts that have affected fuel distribution chains. Without assured access to diesel, many boat owners are unwilling to risk venturing into the sea.

'The operational costs are immense, and the returns are negligible,' Bengre stated while addressing reporters. 'Nearly 85 per cent of boats have decided to stay back at the harbour as it is simply not sustainable to operate under these circumstances.'

In response to the growing concerns, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader recently convened a meeting with officials to address the diesel shortage. During the meeting, authorities were directed to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of fuel to fishing-specific petrol bunks in the region.

While this intervention has provided some reassurance to the fishing community, stakeholders argue that fuel availability alone will not resolve the broader challenges. The combined effects of climate change and declining marine resources continue to pose a serious threat to livelihoods dependent on fishing.

Fishermen and boat owners are now urging the government to adopt a more comprehensive approach, including long-term measures to protect marine ecosystems and stabilise the industry.

Amid the ongoing crisis, the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Association has renewed its demand for extending the annual fishing ban from the current two months to three months. Presently, the monsoon fishing ban is enforced during June and July, with activities resuming in August.

Bengre pointed out that approximately 15 years ago, the ban period lasted for three months, which, according to fishermen, resulted in healthier fish populations. The association believes reinstating a longer ban during the peak breeding season would allow marine life to regenerate more effectively, leading to improved catches in subsequent months.

'A three-month hiatus would significantly boost fish stocks and ensure better sustainability for the industry,' Bengre said, emphasising the need for proactive conservation measures.

Experts note that the current situation in Mangaluru reflects a broader trend affecting coastal regions worldwide. Rising ocean temperatures, driven by climate change, are altering marine ecosystems and fish migration patterns. These changes not only reduce catch volumes but also increase the uncertainty faced by fishing communities.

For small and medium-scale operators, who form the backbone of the coastal economy, such disruptions can have severe economic consequences. Reduced fishing activity impacts not just boat owners but also workers involved in allied sectors such as fish processing, transportation, and local markets.

The sharp decline in fishing activity in Mangaluru highlights the fragile balance between environmental conditions and economic sustainability in the fisheries sector. While immediate steps such as ensuring fuel supply may provide temporary relief, long-term solutions will require coordinated efforts focusing on climate resilience, sustainable fishing practices, and policy support.

As the region approaches the monsoon ban period, the call for extending the fishing holiday reflects growing awareness among stakeholders about the need to protect marine resources. Whether authorities act on this demand could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the coastal fishing industry.