Mumbai's Koli Fishermen Struggling Amid Declining Fish Stocks and Rising Debt

For nearly 700 years, the Koli community in Mumbai has relied on fishing to sustain their livelihoods. However, increasing pollution and climate change are forcing these traditional fishermen to venture farther into the sea, leading to a significant decline in catches and mounting debts.

The Kolis, particularly the women who play a crucial role in selling the catch, report a drastic reduction in available fish. Many families have resorted to menial jobs to educate their children, as the future in fishing appears bleak. Smita, a local fisherman’s wife, lamented, “Nothing is left, there are no fish and we are drowning in debt.”

Fishermen are now required to travel up to 1,000 kilometers, often reaching the Gujarat coast or nearing the maritime border with Pakistan, incurring costs of Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs per trip. The perilous journeys sometimes yield little to no return, putting additional strain on families already facing financial difficulties.

Environmental experts point to severe water pollution and habitat disruptions caused by construction projects along the coast as contributing factors to the declining fish populations. Nandakumar Pawar, an environmental activist, highlighted alarming pollution levels in local waters and their effects on marine life, stating that many fish now exhibit signs of cancer due to toxic environments.

Fishermen are also turning to more destructive fishing methods, such as purse nets, which further deplete fish stocks. Additionally, a significant reduction in the number of fishing boats, approximately 50%, indicates a worrying trend in this vital community.

The combination of environmental challenges and economic hardships poses a serious threat to the Koli community’s traditional way of life, urging the need for urgent intervention and sustainable practices to preserve both their livelihoods and marine ecosystems.