El Nino may hit sardine catch next year, warns CMFRI
Kochi, July 10
Even as Indian oil sardine stocks remain abundant this year, the country's premier marine research institute, CMFRI, has warned that an emerging El Nino event could sharply reduce sardine availability in 2027, with marine heat waves and rising sea temperatures threatening fish production along the Indian coast.
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Director Dr Grinson George sounded the warning while inaugurating the National Fish Farmers Day celebrations at the institute here on Friday.
According to Dr George, the warming associated with El Niño is expected to intensify during October-December this year, with its impact likely to be felt across the northern Indian Ocean by April-May 2027.
"Oil sardine stock is abundant this year, but the resource is likely to be affected in 2027 if the projected warming occurs. Small pelagic fishes, especially oil sardine, are the most vulnerable to marine heat waves and ocean warming," he said.
Dr George warned that the anticipated warming could lead to a decline in overall marine fish production, affecting both the fishing industry and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Drawing attention to climate projections, he said available scientific information points to a high probability of marine heat waves, elevated sea surface temperatures, and increased salinity during April and May next year.
The impact, he cautioned, could extend beyond sardines.
Sustained ocean warming may damage fragile coral reef ecosystems, triggering coral bleaching and reducing the abundance of reef-associated species such as red snapper.
To help the fishing community prepare for the changing conditions, the CMFRI announced that it would begin issuing El Nino advisories to fishermen and fish farmers later this year, enabling them to make informed decisions on fishing and aquaculture practices.
Fish farmers were also advised to prepare for sudden environmental changes. Dr George said heavy rainfall following prolonged periods of high temperature and salinity could cause rapid fluctuations in salinity levels, disrupting coastal aquaculture and increasing the risk of production losses.
He stressed that continuous monitoring of ocean conditions and adaptive management strategies would be crucial to minimising the impact of climate change on marine resources and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishers and coastal fish farmers.
As part of the National Fish Farmers Day programme, CMFRI scientists also conducted technical sessions on coastal aquaculture, cage fish farming, marine fish seed production, black soldier fly-based organic waste management, feed formulation, and various government schemes and subsidies available to fish farmers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My family in Vizhinjam relies heavily on sardine catches. This report is alarming! 😟 But I'm glad CMFRI is being proactive - the early warning system is smart. In Tamil Nadu fishing villages, many are already diversifying into mussel farming as a backup. Hope more research goes into climate-resilient aquaculture species.
We keep hearing El Niño warnings every few years now, but the real problem is 30 years of unchecked coastal development and trawler overfishing. Even without El Niño, our marine ecosystem is stressed. CMFRI should push for stricter enforcement of fishing bans and mesh size regulations. The science is clear - protect the spawning grounds!
This is a crisis staring us in the face! 😤 My father is a fish trader in Kochi and already had to close his stall during the 2023 heat wave when prices doubled. If sardine stocks crash, it's not just fishermen - it's the entire supply chain of 5 lakh people in Kerala alone. We need immediate investment in pond-based fish farming and cold storage infrastructure to weather this storm.
Important research! But I'm concerned that advisories alone won't reach our remote fishing villages in Andhra and Odisha. Many boat owners don't have smartphones or weather apps. CMFRI must work with Fisheries Departments to set up local warning systems - maybe through community radio or village panchayat networks. Practical solutions needed! 🌊
While I appreciate the science
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.