Maharashtra’s coastal cuisine, rich with spices and seafood, has always had a crown jewel—the silver pomfret or paplet. Its delicate, buttery flesh fried to perfection or curried in coconut milk is a staple on many plates. But this beloved fish is now swimming dangerously close to extinction, thanks to rampant overfishing and disregard for sustainable practices. A recent crackdown on the capture and sale of baby silver pomfrets has shed light on a silent crisis unfolding along the state's western coast.
The Fisheries Department of Maharashtra recently launched a series of raids in Dahanu, Vasai, and Palghar districts, seizing over 5,000 baby silver pomfrets in early April. These fish, barely finger-sized and weighing less than 30 grams, had no chance to breed, let alone sustain their species. Experts say that removing juveniles from the ocean disrupts the lifecycle of the species, causing long-term ecological and economic damage.
The silver pomfret is the most sought-after fish in Maharashtra, forming part of a prized basket of 54 seafood species. Its demand skyrockets in summer, particularly in Mumbai and Konkan kitchens. However, its abundance in local fish markets belies a darker truth: we are eating this fish faster than it can reproduce.
In December 2023, the Maharashtra government took a symbolic yet significant step by declaring the silver pomfret the “state fish.” The announcement was not merely cultural—it was also a cry for help. According to Meher, vice-president of the Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, there’s an urgent need for stricter enforcement and more awareness campaigns to ensure the species' survival.
Veteran fisherfolk warn that this seasonal frenzy has led to fishing practices that prioritize quantity over sustainability. While silver pomfret is supposed to be harvested only after reaching at least 150 gm in weight, many fishing boats are intentionally netting younger ones due to their high market value. A single crate of baby pomfrets, some as small as 50 gm, can fetch Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. This temptation is hard to resist in a struggling coastal economy.
Some fishermen defend the practice, claiming that these smaller fish rise to the water’s surface and get caught unintentionally. However, experts disagree. The clustering of such high numbers of juvenile fish in catches is not coincidental. It is the result of using finer nets and targeting breeding zones, especially in the months of March and April when baby pomfrets float close to the shore.
The state’s fisheries department has now stepped up regulatory action, issuing notices and even pursuing criminal charges against violators. Two boat owners have already been booked in Vasai for repeated violations. These moves are expected to deter further ecological harm, though enforcement remains a challenge given the scale of the problem.
Ultimately, the silver pomfret’s survival depends not just on policy but on public consciousness. Consumers, restaurants, and vendors must resist the temptation of off-season catches. The next time a plate of silver pomfret tempts you, ask yourself: are we savoring a delicacy or devouring a species into extinction?
Sustainable seafood is not just a fad—it is the only way forward.