Fishermen along Kerala’s coast have observed an unusual phenomenon: sardines have remained small, not exceeding 12 cm in length, for over six months. Typically, sardines grow to an average length of 20 cm within a few weeks, making this stagnation unprecedented and concerning for those who rely on sardine fishing for their livelihood.
In response to these reports, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi has initiated an investigation to determine the underlying causes of this stunted growth. Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, indicated that a report would be released soon. One hypothesis under consideration is that the hotter-than-usual period between October 2023 and April 2024 may have prolonged the breeding season, thereby affecting sardine development.
Environmental factors have historically played a significant role in sardine populations. For instance, in 2015, elevated seawater temperatures and reduced food availability led to poor maturation and spawning of sardines, resulting in a drastic decline in their numbers. The average seawater temperature in sardine habitats was 29.8°C during that year, nearly 1.1°C higher than the average observed over the previous five years.
The current situation has economic implications as well. Smaller sardines are being sold at around ₹100 per kilogram, while larger ones, typically priced over ₹200 per kilogram, are arriving in limited quantities from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. However, traders note that these imported sardines lack the distinct taste of Kerala’s local varieties, affecting consumer preference and market dynamics.
As the CMFRI continues its investigation, the fishing community and other stakeholders await scientific explanations for this phenomenon. Understanding the causes behind the stunted growth of sardines is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate potential long-term impacts on Kerala’s marine ecosystem and the livelihoods dependent on it.
