20% reduction in fish catch in Kutch

Kutch, which contributes 12 per cent of total fish production of the state, decreased by 20 lakh tonne during March, 2004 to February, 2005. The loss is estimated around Rs 15 crore.

"Fishermen from the places like Balshar, Mangrol, Bhavaral have not come here and that has affected the produce," P A Shah, superintendent of fisheries in Kutch said on Monday.

The region depends entirely on the fishermen from other districts. While 1,000 fishing trawlers came last year from other parts of the state, only 600 fishing trawlers have came this year.

However, fisheries department says that the lower production this year is due to some natural calamities. "We feel that the low rainfall this year caused more salty sea water thereby slowing the process sweet water fish coming to the Kutch," said, Shah.

"The entire Kutch region of 890 sq km comes under the eco sensitive zone. The near shore area of the gulf, with a catalogued list of 37 species (24 genera) of coral fauna, is heavily silted with terregenous deposits brought in by the tides and the winds which is favorable for fish.

"Dredging of sand for the cement industry and the mining of massive corals also caused severe damages to the reefs. "The effect is further compounded by oil pollution and over collection of reef fauna." said official of Earth Island, an NGO working in the region.

However, officials of fisheries department deny this "There is no question of disturbing the eco balance by putting up industrial unit in the region. There were lots of industries were there before tax exemption."

Jakhau provides 80 per cent of total fish production of the region while Bhadreshar and Mandvi provides the rest 20 percent of total production in Kutch.

"I do not feel the lower production should be taken as a serious matter. Due to natural calamity the production reduced this year." said I C Jadeja, assistant director of fisheries, Kutch region.