Fishermen from Maharashtra are sounding the alarm regarding the dwindling catch of silver-skinned pomfret, a beloved seafood among the coastal population.
They are requesting that it be designated as the official fish of Maharashtra to facilitate substantial conservation efforts.
Referred to as Paplet or Saranga within fish-eating communities, its decline is attributed to rising pollution and premature fishing before reaching full maturity and breeding age.Due to the annual decrease in production (refer to the graph), members of The Satpati Fishermen’s Society in Palghar, representing the group that supplies seafood to Mumbai and nearby coastal areas, are urging for special recognition of the silver-skinned or silver pomfret. This designation would enable focused breeding programs and secure funding for its preservation.
In communications to Fisheries Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Union fisheries minister Parshottam Rupala, the community highlights that over the past 35 years, pomfret catch has declined by 50 per cent.
The size and weight of the fish have also notably decreased due to unlawful capture of undersized juvenile fish, coupled with escalating sea pollution.
To ensure successful breeding until the fish attain an optimal weight of around 350 grams each, suitable for consumption, strict discipline and vigilant monitoring are imperative, they emphasize.
Presently, a significant portion of the catch consists of 150-gram-sized fish, severely affecting the local economy. Despite spending extensive time at sea, trawlers are only securing limited, undersized catches, adversely impacting the market.
It’s noteworthy that the Maharashtra Fisheries Department has previously issued a postage stamp to honor the fish’s contribution to the local economy and seafood culture.
The silver pomfret holds a special place within the coastal environment, contributing to the livelihood and cultural heritage of the coastal communities. Changes in fishing practices and market dynamics have negatively affected the silver pomfret’s population in northwestern areas due to juvenile fishing, the letters addressed to the ministers explain.
“Declaring the silver pomfret as the state fish of Maharashtra would aid in maintaining a balanced and protected marine environment while conserving this economically significant seafood. This move would foster collaboration among fishermen, coastal communities, NGOs, educational institutions, and government agencies to address challenges related to the silver pomfret. By promoting targeted research efforts, these species can be revitalized with increasing data and research initiatives,” the representation asserts, underlining that this step will establish enduring conservation strategies.