Mangaluru: With the implementation of the ‘K-SHORE’ (Karnataka Surface Sustainable Harvest of Ocean Resources) project—aimed at ensuring the cleanliness of coastal areas and the protection of marine life—Sasihithlu and Tagore beaches are likely to receive ‘Blue Flag’ certification this year.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), established to ensure the timely execution of the ‘K-SHORE’ project, will also focus on the management of ‘Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear’ (ALDFG)—a form of waste that has emerged as a major problem, ranking alongside plastics and styrofoam. Managing such waste will not only help protect marine life but also provide a sustainable livelihood for the fishing community. “A comprehensive proposal is being prepared to include several popular beaches under the ‘Blue Flag’ category this year, and it will be presented before the State Cabinet. This includes Sasihithlu Beach in Mangaluru and Tagore Beach in Karwar.
This process is part of the ‘K-SHORE’ program. Following Cabinet approval, the proposal will be submitted to the Central Government for final clearance,” stated a senior official from the Forest Department, which is part of the ‘K-SHORE’ Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
The ‘K-SHORE’ program encompasses key aspects such as the prevention of marine pollution and the maintenance of beach cleanliness. Additionally, it focuses on institutional strengthening, coastal management, the creation of livelihood opportunities, community-based management, and the regulation of plastic usage.
The State Forest Department, the Fisheries Department, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and other relevant stakeholders are working collaboratively to ensure the timely and successful implementation of the ‘K-SHORE’ project.” Beaches that meet 33 criteria—covering cleanliness, safety, environmental education, availability of information, and water quality—and receive an eco-label from the ‘Foundation for Environmental Education’ (FEE) are classified as ‘Blue Flag’ beaches.
Currently, there are 18 ‘Blue Flag’ certified beaches in India, two of which are located in Karnataka: Padubidri Beach in Udupi and Kasarkod (Eco Beach) near Honnavar in the Uttara Kannada district.
Fishermen collect approximately 10 kg of ALDFG (Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear) during their trips to the sea, which they make three times a week. Due to limited waste management resources, this waste is often discarded back into the sea or left on the beach.
There are only three ALDFG processing centers in India, located in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. A model is currently being developed to provide incentives to fishermen for the waste they bring back from the sea. An official stated that they are collaborating with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department and Urban Local Bodies to manage waste in coastal towns, cities, and villages.