Field visit to Maravanthe fish landing Centre, Udupi coastal district, Karnataka

 

    Scientific team of ICAR-CCARI lead by Dr Parveen Kumar, Director visited Maravanthe fish landing Centre in Udupi coastal district of Karnataka on 5 October 2024. The fishing activities such as fish catch, landings, transport, preservation and packaging were monitored and documented at the Maravanthe fishing harbours. The challenges faced by the fishermen and fisherwomen were also discussed. About100 boats operate along the coastal region off Maravanthe that mainly target sardine, lesser sardines and mackerel. The major fish catch is Indian oil sardine which is landed @ 2-3 tonnes per boat per fishing.  The fish is washed, iced and marketed for fresh consumption and also as a raw material for the fish meal plants. A total of 500 active fishermen operate in the region and the transport of fish from boats to the insulated vehicles is carried out by the fisherwomen. A total of 250 fisherwomen are engaged in this activity. The issues regarding the catch of juvenile fish and use of small mesh sized gears were also discussed during the field visit. The scientific team of ICAR-CCARI highlighted the research and development activities of the institute and assured all scientific and technical support for the fishermen and farmers in the region. Dr. Gokuldas PP, Dr Sreekanth GB, and Shri Trivesh Mayekar, the scientific team of CCARI coordinated the field visit.