The use of bag-shaped nets, locally known as 'Royyala vala' (shrimp nets), along the Andhra Pradesh coast is raising concerns over their impact on marine life and future fish stocks, The Times of India reported. These nets are operated by small motorised boats in shallow coastal waters.
Their fine mesh traps non-target species and shrimp before they reach full size. Additionally, the gear's contact with the seabed disturbs marine habitats, according to The Times of India.
The study, conducted by researchers from CMFRI’s Visakhapatnam and Madras regional centres, examined the gear’s fishing performance and ecological impacts across Vizianagaram, Krishna, and Prakasam districts, The Times of India stated.
Published in the Indian Journal of Fisheries, the study draws on catch data, fisher interviews, and biological sampling conducted between June and August 2025, as per The Times of India.
These dragnets typically operate within two nautical miles of the shore, at depths of around 5 to 8 metres, The Times of India noted.
This report is significant for readers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as it directly impacts the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities in the region.
