Sat Jan 11 14:03:23 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai’s Koli Fishermen Face Extinction as Fish Stocks Plummet

**Mumbai, India** – For centuries, the Koli community has thrived on fishing in the Arabian Sea. However, overfishing, pollution, and climate change are pushing this indigenous community to the brink of collapse. Koli fishermen are now forced to travel hundreds of kilometers, sometimes even venturing near the Pakistan border, to find sufficient fish, incurring substantial costs and risks.

The dwindling fish stocks have severely impacted the Koli community’s livelihoods. Women, who traditionally hold a significant role in the fish market, report a drastic reduction in earnings, with some saying their income has dropped by more than half. They are increasingly concerned about the future, stating that their children will not follow in their footsteps. The impact extends beyond the Koli community; consumers are experiencing rising fish prices and reduced availability of popular varieties like pomfret and surmai.

Fishermen now undertake perilous journeys in large groups, spending thousands of rupees per trip with no guarantee of a successful catch. Boat ownership has decreased by about 50%, and many fishermen are deeply in debt. The lack of fish is forcing some to use destructive fishing methods like purse nets, further depleting marine life.

Experts point to several factors contributing to the crisis. While some fishermen blame colder waters caused by smog, meteorological scientists refute this claim. However, environmental activists and experts strongly link the problem to severe water pollution from industrial discharge. Water samples from Thane Creek, which flows into the Arabian Sea, reveal toxicity levels far exceeding acceptable limits. This pollution not only drives fish away but also poisons the remaining catch, with some fish exhibiting signs of cancer.

Construction projects along the coast, such as the coastal road, are also implicated, creating vibrations that disturb marine life. The situation is further exacerbated by a lack of labor, forcing fishermen to hire workers from other states, further squeezing their already slim profit margins. Unless immediate action is taken to address water pollution and unsustainable fishing practices, the future of Mumbai’s Koli community and its rich fishing tradition hangs precariously in the balance.

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