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Tamil Nadu Coast Choked by Fishing Net Waste
27 Dec, 2025
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.
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.
While collection efforts are underway, the state acknowledges a need to bolster recycling infrastructure. Plans are in motion to link new collection centres with district-level recycling facilities and strengthen existing ones. This comprehensive approach aims to transform marine waste into reusable materials, mitigating its impact on the environment.
