The Systematic Erasure of Mumbai’s Fishermen: A Vanishing Livelihood
For generations, the Kolis—Mumbai’s traditional fishing community—have relied on the sea as their lifeblood, weaving their existence into the rhythm of the Arabian tides. But today, these proud fishermen find themselves not only battling the waves but also facing an onslaught of problems that are methodically driving them out of their ancestral trade.
The very livelihood that sustained their forefathers is being ripped away from under them, and the future for their children looks bleaker with each passing day.
The Destruction of a Proud Legacy
The fishermen of Mumbai are not just losing fish—they are losing everything. What was once a thriving and vital part of Mumbai’s economy is now being systematically dismantled, and it is infuriating to see how little is being done to protect their heritage. These are men and women who have honed their skills over centuries, passed down through generations, only to be pushed out by unchecked commercial greed, government neglect, and a series of decisions that clearly show how little their contribution is valued.
It’s not just their trade at risk; it’s their identity. The Koli community has been integral to Mumbai’s growth, yet they have been reduced to mere shadows of what they once were. They are being managed out—their skills and knowledge rendered obsolete in a city that no longer cares about those who built it.
The LED Fishing Disaster
And then there’s the disgusting practice of LED fishing, which has only made things worse. LED lights, blaring under the surface of the water, draw in fish indiscriminately. It’s an ecological catastrophe that attracts juvenile fish, destroying future stocks before they even have a chance to grow. This short-term gain, long-term disaster is wreaking havoc on the already fragile fish populations.
But who cares about that, right? As long as the commercial operators keep raking in their profits, the small-scale, traditional fishermen—the ones who actually understand the importance of sustainable practices—are left struggling to survive. How is it fair? How are these humble fishermen expected to compete when their very livelihoods are being stolen out from under them by these predatory tactics?
These large-scale operators, using LED strips and other harmful techniques, are allowed to operate unchecked, while the small-scale fishermen, following centuries-old practices, are squeezed to the brink of collapse. Where is the justice in that? How has this become the norm?
Environmental Degradation: A Slap in the Face
As if LED fishing wasn’t bad enough, the pollution in Mumbai’s waters is another cruel blow. The once-vibrant coastline is now choked with plastic waste, untreated sewage, and toxins dumped with impunity into the sea. How are the fishermen expected to catch fish when the waters themselves are poisoned? Their boats are no match for the industrial filth that blankets the water, killing marine life and contaminating their catches.
Mumbai’s fishermen are being pushed out not by natural forces, but by man-made disasters that nobody seems to care about. The city turns a blind eye as their home—the sea—is systematically destroyed, leaving them with nothing but polluted waters and a dying livelihood.
Generations Lost: The Death of a Trade
But what about the next generation? What will become of them? Nothing—because they won’t have a trade to inherit. Why would a young person today choose to enter the fishing business, when they’ve seen their fathers and grandfathers struggle, barely able to make ends meet? They see the long hours, the danger, the injustice, and the complete disregard for their community. Why would they choose to follow a path that leads only to poverty and despair?
The traditional fishing trade in Mumbai is being choked out, and with it, a cultural legacy that has been tied to the city for centuries. The systematic erasure of these fishermen from their own trade is infuriating. Their children will grow up in a world where fishing is no longer a viable option, leaving the Koli community stripped of its identity, its purpose, and its future.
A Bleak Future for Mumbai’s Fishermen
What’s left for these fishermen? Nothing. They’ve been abandoned by the very systems that should protect them. No support, no protections, and no plan to help them transition to something sustainable. They are, quite literally, being cast aside, victims of unregulated practices and unchecked exploitation.
What happens when the fish are gone? When the sea can no longer support even the most determined of fishermen? The answer is clear: their future is being stolen, and nothing is being done to stop it.
Is This the End of Mumbai’s Fishing Heritage?
If nothing changes—and quickly—the answer is yes. Mumbai’s fishing industry, and the proud Koli community that sustains it, will become nothing more than a tragic footnote in the city’s history. A once-thriving trade, reduced to memory, because of greed, ignorance, and a lack of action.
It is time to recognize the plight of Mumbai’s fishermen. It is time to stand up against these exploitative practices and demand justice for the communities being forced out of their livelihoods. If we continue to ignore their struggles, Mumbai will lose not just its fishermen but a vital part of its soul.
The future doesn’t have to be this way, but unless we act now, it will be.