What is causing marine litter on the Tamil Nadu coast?

Discarded fishing nets, ropes, and other marine waste, particularly from fishing activities, are the primary cause of litter accumulation.

How is the Tamil Nadu government addressing marine waste?

The Tamil Nadu government is establishing fishnet collection centres and planning to strengthen recycling facilities through the Tamil Nadu Fishnet Initiative Project.

What are the impacts of fishing gear debris on marine life?

Discarded fishing gear can entangle marine animals, leading to injuries or death, and plastics break down into microplastics that enter the food chain.

Home / Environment / Tamil Nadu Coast Choked by Fishing Net Waste

Tamil Nadu Coast Choked by Fishing Net Waste

27 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Discarded fishing nets constitute nearly half of marine litter on Tamil Nadu's coast.
Intensive fishing areas like Pudukottai see highest marine debris concentrations.
Tamil Nadu plans collection centers and recycling facilities for marine waste.

Tamil Nadu Coast Choked by Fishing Net Waste

A recent report highlights the alarming accumulation of marine waste along Tamil Nadu's coastline, with discarded fishing nets being a major contributor. Nearly half of the surveyed litter consisted of abandoned or lost fishing gear, posing a grave danger to marine wildlife through entanglement. Areas with high fishing activity, such as Pudukottai and Villupuram, show the most significant concentrations of this debris.

To combat this environmental crisis, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has initiated the Tamil Nadu Fishnet Initiative Project. The first collection centre, established in Kasimedu in August 2024, has proven successful. The project is expanding to all 14 coastal districts, supported by the World Bank through the TN-SHORE project.