With the onset of monsoon, poaching of inland fish varieties has begun. As always, it is a festive mood in crucial spots where local varieties breed. In the district, spots like Cherpunkal, Elipulikkadavu, Thazhathangadi, Parackal Kadavu, etc., where the minor rivulets join the Meenachil river have become hotbeds of this festival’ which is known as ootha pidutham’ in local parlance. In the next few weeks, the ootha pidutham’ will build up with more participants thronging these spots. Experts and academics have warned against the practice, which, according to them, is neither traditional inland fishing nor angling in the name of tourism, but a clear case of poaching. They said the loss of local varieties on account of fishing during their breeding season will be huge. This increasing interest in ootha’ has been attributed to lack of awareness among the people, it is pointed out. The State Biodiversity Board has come out with concrete proposals on checking the current practice. The major suggestion is the complete ban on inland fishing during the breeding season. Suggestions have also been made for protection of the rivulets that drain into the major rivers and lakes, conservation of the fragile ecosystem of the rivulets and the polders and also launching of a major awareness campaign against the unscientific fishing practice.
2016, The Hindu