Fishermen, who were eagerly waiting to get down into the sea on August 1, after 61 days of off days, have faced a setback in the beginning of the season itself.
Violent sea due to rain and high winds prevented the fishermen of mechanised boats to venture into sea. As the boats are not getting down to sea, the other related industries like ice plants and transporters are also facing inconvenience. In the last season fishermen encountered issues of fish famine and repeated stoppage of fishing because of violent sea. This year to the delay in getting down to deep sea has put them in concern.
In total, 2,166 boats including trawlers and purse seine, undertake fishing from the ports of Mangaluru, Malpe and Gangolli. As all boats cannot get down to the sea at the same time, the deep sea fishing boats are ready with ice and diesel. Though some boats in which outstation state labourers work, had gone to fishing, they had to return without catching fish due to violent sea.
Ganesh K, joint director of fisheries department said, “The meteorological department has warned of high winds and high pressure of water in sea on the coast of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep till August 9 and it is not suitable for fishing.”
Dayananda K Suvarna, president of Malpe Fishermen association said, “Boats of any kind have not gone for fishing from Malpe port due to more pressure of water in the sea due to rain and wind. As soon as the sea returns to normal or after Samudra Pooja, the boats will possibly start fishing.”