Chavakkad, Kerala: For the past several days, fishermen in Chavakkad in Thrissur district have been illegally fishing tons of small sardines from the sea.

Hundreds of small and large boats have been venturing into the sea daily to catch these juvenile fish that measure less than eight centimetres, in clear violation of the law.

The daily catch over the past week has ranged from 500 kg to 5,000 kg. Apart from local fishermen, those from Malappuram, Ernakulam, and other districts have also joined in the competition.

According to the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, it is illegal to catch anchovies shorter than 10 centimetres. Fully-grown sardines can fetch over ₹200 per kg in the market, but their juvenile fish are being purchased by traders from the fishermen at just ₹10-20 per kg. In addition to small-scale traders, companies involved in fertiliser and other industrial uses are also collecting these juvenile fish.

Despite joint patrolling by the Fisheries Department, coastal police, and Marine Enforcement, the number of illegal catches being intercepted remains low. Fishermen often receive advance information and evade authorities before the patrolling teams arrive in areas like northern Chavakkad. Last week alone, 2,000 kg of the fish were seized from a single boat.

Abdul Majid Pothannoor, Deputy Director of District Fisheries, said that even though steps can be taken against the boats catching juvenile fish, the trade cannot be fully stopped unless laws are amended to include penalties for buyers as well. Fishermen continue to catch juvenile fish to meet demand, despite repeated awareness campaigns. The Deputy Director said that patrolling efforts will be intensified and enforcement action strengthened in the coming days.