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Chennai Fisherwomen Battle Climate Change's Rising Tide
24 Jul
Summary
- Climate change alters fishing seasons, shortening calmer periods and extending rougher ones.
- Reduced fish catches force longer trips, increasing costs and decreasing fisherwomen's income.
- Many fisherwomen are turning to tailoring or other jobs to supplement dwindling earnings.
Fisherwomen in Chennai are confronting severe economic hardship due to changing sea conditions attributed to climate change. Traditional fishing seasons, once predictable, are now erratic, with calmer periods shortening and rougher seas becoming more frequent. This unpredictability directly affects the fish catch, leading to reduced earnings for women like Kavitha, who sells fish at the Nochikuppam market.
The impact extends to artisanal fishermen, who face increased costs for fuel and longer hours at sea, yet bring back smaller catches. This decline in fish availability forces fisherwomen to seek supplementary income through new avenues like tailoring and other small enterprises. Pollution and overfishing by trawlers also contribute to the dwindling fish stocks, exacerbating the crisis for coastal communities.
For women like Sarala and Selvi, the shrinking income means struggling to meet daily expenses, repay loans, and save for the future. While some are exploring value-added products like fish pickles, they note these do not fully compensate for traditional earnings. Experts suggest that besides diversifying, fisherwomen need enhanced digital literacy and marketing skills to access better markets and improve their economic standing.
