Less rain but rougher seas: Fishing folk given warning

Mangaluru

While this year's southwest monsoon has brought comparatively less rainfall than the corresponding period last year, the Arabian Sea continues to remain turbulent, posing challenges for the fishing community along the Karnataka coast. The Ministry of Home Affairs' Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER) has issued a fresh five-day weather advisory warning of squally winds and rough sea conditions until June 30. Compared to last year, the monsoon has been relatively subdued, with a slow advance and intermittent spells of rain across coastal Karnataka.

Although recent showers have brought relief from the summer heat and supported agricultural activities, rainfall has so far remained below that received during the same period last year. However, despite the lower rainfall, strong monsoon winds over the Arabian Sea have continued to generate rough sea conditions. According to the advisory, squally winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along the Konkan-Goa coast and the adjoining east-central Arabian Sea.

From June 27 onwards, similar conditions are likely to prevail along the Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts. In parts of the Arabian Sea, winds may further intensify to 45-55 kmph with gusts reaching 65 kmph, making fishing operations hazardous. The warning comes at a time when the annual monsoon fishing ban on mechanised boats is already in force. Traditional fishermen and those engaged in near-shore fishing have also been advised to exercise caution, as strong winds and high waves can develop even during periods of moderate rainfall. "We are receiving weather advisories almost every week, and fishermen are aware that safety must come first.

Even if the rainfall is not as heavy as last year, the sea has remained rough because of strong monsoon winds. We urge fishermen to follow official warnings and avoid venturing into the sea until conditions improve," said a senior official from the Fisheries Department. Local fishermen echoed similar concerns, saying unpredictable weather has made planning fishing trips difficult. "The rains have been less this year, but the sea has been unusually rough. Small boats cannot take chances when strong winds pick up suddenly.

We are waiting for calmer conditions before resuming normal fishing activities," said Manjunath, a fisherman from Mangaluru fishing harbour. Officials have urged fishermen not to venture into the sea during adverse weather and to keep a close watch on weather bulletins issued by the India Meteorological Department and the Fisheries Department. Harbour authorities have also been asked to alert boat owners and ensure that vessels remain safely anchored until sea conditions improve.

The advisory has been circulated to all coastal states, including Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enabling local administrations to alert fishing communities well in advance. With the southwest monsoon expected to remain active, weather experts say sea conditions are likely to remain rough even if rainfall varies from day to day. For the fishing community, the immediate priority remains safety, with authorities urging fishermen to strictly follow official advisories before venturing into the sea.