For fishermen living along the coasts of Nellore and Tirupati, the sea is no longer just a source of income. It has also become a place of growing conflict and tension.
Fishing, which used to be a normal daily activity, has now turned into a struggle. Local fishermen often face problems from fishermen coming from nearby regions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Over the past decade, this situation has become worse, leading to frequent disputes at sea.
The issue is not new. For more than 12 years, fishermen from coastal villages such as Juvvaladinne and Isakapalli have complained about repeated entry of mechanised boats from other states into their waters.
These mechanised boats are usually faster and have better equipment. Because of this, they can catch more fish in less time. They often enter Andhra Pradesh waters in search of better fishing areas. This has led to a decrease in fish stocks for local fishermen, affecting their income and daily survival.
The latest incident happened in late March 2026, when local fishermen captured four mechanised boats that were believed to belong to crews from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. These boats were taken to the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour and kept under watch.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the boats went missing overnight. According to local reports, the crews managed to escape and took the boats away under the cover of darkness. This has raised many questions about security and how such an incident could happen.
Such clashes are not isolated cases. They are part of a long-standing conflict along the Nellore coast, which shares a sea boundary with Tamil Nadu. One of the main reasons for this problem is the difference in fishing methods. While local fishermen mostly use traditional methods, others use advanced mechanised systems, creating unfair competition.
Overall, the situation highlights the need for better coordination between states, stricter monitoring, and clear rules to protect the livelihoods of local fishermen and reduce conflicts in the region.