Why fishers in Kerala ignore dire warnings and venture into sea

Two fishermen died and five others remain missing after their traditional fishing boat capsized off Neendakara in Kerala, according to local reports. The incident occurred during a period when authorities had issued a blanket weather warning prohibiting all fishing activities. The warning, which lasted for a brief window from July 29, failed to deter the crews from venturing out, despite the heightened danger. The victims hailed from different coastal towns including Muthalapozhi, Vizhinjam, Tangasseri, and Neendakara. The weather alert came amid worsening monsoon conditions, with heavy rains and high waves making the waters particularly treacherous. Despite this, fishers continued to set sail, driven by necessity rather than choice. Low-income crews often find themselves in a precarious position, where adhering to safety protocols means facing financial ruin. As one fisher, Andrew from Anchuthengu, put it, the decision is not one of preference but of survival. “Should we starve to death, or die at sea?” he asked, highlighting the grim reality faced by many in the region. Climate change has further complicated matters, altering patterns that once guided traditional fishing practices. Fishermen who have relied on decades of experience to navigate the sea now find themselves struggling to interpret new environmental cues. “We are long accustomed to reading daily wind currents and sea behaviours, but shifting climate systems now defy even deep-seated traditional wisdom,” Andrew added. This disruption underscores a growing disconnect between historical knowledge and contemporary challenges. Authorities acknowledged the difficulty in enforcing fishing bans, citing insufficient resources and personnel to monitor departure points effectively. While comprehensive weather alerts and stay-at-home orders are issued regularly under the Disaster Management Act, enforcement remains a challenge. Public announcements and messaging groups are used to disseminate information, yet physical checks at landing centers are rarely conducted. Officials noted that in cases of extreme weather, rescue efforts become equally dangerous, as both fishers and rescuers face life-threatening conditions. Government officials also highlighted the limitations of current support mechanisms. Although some compensation is offered during prolonged periods of severe weather, there is no structured system to provide financial aid for lost fishing days. “We have provided compensation during prolonged periods of severe weather, but there is no systematic plan for lost fishing days, leaving financial aid entirely ad hoc during extreme atmospheric conditions,” an official stated. This lack of consistent support exacerbates the dilemma faced by fishers, who must choose between risking their lives at sea or facing hunger on land. Activists and union leaders have criticized the state's approach, arguing that mandatory stay-at-home orders fail to account for the economic realities of fishing communities. Jackson Pollayil, president of the Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation, pointed out that previous relief measures were inadequate, providing only minimal assistance to a single individual per household. “When the department issues daily warnings telling fishers not to venture into the sea, they ignore the reality that these families depend entirely on daily fishing to survive,” he said. His comments reflect a broader frustration among community representatives, who feel that the state’s policies do not adequately address the unique challenges faced by fishers.