Country boat fishermen in wait of Toofan

Team Udayavani, Jun 17, 2019, 4:03 PM IST

Kundapur/Malpe: Since the monsoon rains have not yet started to the expected amount and as there is no big storm in the sea, the country boat fishermen have not yet ventured out into the sea for fishing.

Like every year, mechanized fishing cycle ended on May 31^st and during monsoon, only country boat fishing is conducted. But, in order for them to venture into the sea, there first should be good amount of rain and a big toofan (storm) must occur at sea post which, the sea shall remain peaceful. But this time, In comparison to earlier years, the monsoon has started a little late. Its adverse effect has affected country boat fishing as well.

Country boat fishermen at Mangaluru, Malpe, Gangolli, Hejmady, Kodi, Maravanthe, Koderi, Shiroor and other areas are eagerly awaiting the arrival of toofan at sea, There are around 15-20,000 country boat fishermen in Kundapur taluk alone.

Business worth crores of rupees

Shrimps and other fishes which are caught during the monsoon season fishing through country boats amount to daily business worth a crore of rupees. During this season, country boats conduct business worth crores of rupees. The loss incurred by the fishermen is directly proportional to the delay in fishing.

Only after July 10^th…

Rains have not yet come, neither has a toofan been observed. Hence, country boat fishing may begin only after July 10^th. Last time too, the fishing began after July 20^th, informed country boast fishermen association president Manju Billava to ‘Udayavani’.