In some coastal regions of India, there exists a dangerous and illegal fishing practice known as bomb fishing or dynamite fishing. This method involves using homemade explosives to stun or kill large numbers of fish quickly.
Fishermen create these bombs using simple materials like fertilizer and fuel, then detonate them in coral reefs or fishing grounds. The explosion creates a shockwave that kills fish within the blast radius, making them easy to collect from the water surface.
This practice is particularly prevalent in certain areas where traditional fishing methods are less productive. Despite being banned under Indian fisheries laws, some fishermen continue this dangerous activity due to poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods.
The environmental impact is devastating - bomb fishing destroys coral reefs, kills non-target marine species, and damages the overall marine ecosystem. The practice also poses serious safety risks to the fishermen themselves, with numerous accidents reported over the years.
Government authorities and conservation groups are working to educate communities about sustainable fishing practices and provide alternative income sources to reduce dependence on this destructive method. |
