Kerala’s Fishing Seasons: A Local’s Guide

Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” boasts a rich culinary heritage, especially when it comes to seafood. The seafood season in Kerala is influenced by various factors, including monsoons, breeding cycles, and traditional practices. Here are some interesting points about seafood in Kerala:

  1. Monsoon Season and Fishing Ban:
    • Kerala experiences heavy monsoons from June to September. During this time, fishing activities are restricted due to safety concerns.
    • The annual trawling ban typically ends on July 31, leading to increased shrimp catches and a boost in seafood processing activities .
  2. Know Your Fish Campaign:
    • Indian conservationists have initiated the “Know Your Fish” campaign to promote responsible fish consumption along Kerala’s west coast.
    • The campaign includes a seafood calendar that suggests months to avoid eating specific species based on their spawning and breeding cycles.
    • By modifying eating habits, they hope to create demand changes and encourage fishing practices that benefit marine species and habitats .

  • Local Delicacies:
    • Kerala’s seafood cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Some popular dishes include:
      • Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves before grilling.
      • Meen Curry: A tangy fish curry made with coconut milk and spices.
      • Chemmeen Ularthiyathu: Spicy prawn stir-fry with coconut and curry leaves.
      • Kappa and Meen Curry: Tapioca (kappa) served with fish curry.
      • Sardine Fry: Crispy fried sardines seasoned with spices.
      • Kallumakkaya Ularthiyathu: Stir-fried mussels with shallots, garlic, and spices.

Sustainable Eating:
Kerala’s seafood sector faces challenges due to the pandemic, affecting exports and revenue.
The Christmas and New Year season usually contributes about 30% of revenue for the state’s marine export sector.
Sustainable seafood practices are crucial to maintain marine ecosystems and ensure a steady supply of seafood.
So, if you find yourself in Kerala during the seafood season, don’t miss the chance to savor these delectable dishes and experience the coastal flavors!

Conclusion:

While there are rising concerns about the freshness of fish, there is still a better alternative to buying fresh, organic and chemical-free fish that can provide more health benefits. Greencoot is a similar initiative in Kerala that offers fresh, chemical-free fish, free-range meat, natural beverages, and other organic products. They are directly sourced from the harbours and cleaned under the most hygiene standards and delivered to your door step. Book your next order with us visiting www.greencoot.com or or Whatsapp us at +918891404434.