Mechanized fishing holiday coming to an end, but no country boat fishing done yet

aaron, Jul 28, 2019, 8:45 AM IST

Malpe: There has been no country boat fishing conducted in the coastal areas of Udupi district and the holiday for mechanized fishing during the monsoon is showing signs of coming to an end. Since mechanized fishing will begin from Aug 1^st, only a couple of days remain for country boat fishing during the monsoon season. With heavy rains ensuing along karavali, the sea has also grow violent. As result, country boat fishing was put on hold since a week.

Although there was a storm, there is still no fish

Normally, only if there was a storm in the sea then would it be convenient for country boat fishermen to do fishing. But this time, even though the storm came with some delay, the fishermen who ventured out into the sea are still not getting a worthwhile catch of fish.

Now, since the last few days, the fishermen are returning empty handed from their fishing trips. On one hand, country boat fishermen are unable to venture out into the sea due to adverse weather, on the other, the lack of fish is having a real bad effect on the financial stability of the fishermen. In just another few days, mechanized fishing will commence. Amidst this, the country boat fishermen who were dreaming of earning some profit are now in despair.

Loss worth crores of rupees

This time, since the country boat fishing cycle has faced a setback, the fishing industry is facing losses worth crores of rupees. Last time by this period, country boat fishermen had earned an income of lakhs of rupees. Shrimps found during the monsoon season has very good value. But this time, since the country boat fishermen are not getting any fish on their fishing trips, every single country boat is facing a minimum loss of Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh.

Lack of fresh fish

Since country boats have not ventured out into the sea, there is a lack of fresh fish at the fish markets. Mangaluru, Udupi markets are importing fish from fish processing plants in Tamil Nadu and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

No glimpse of fish

This time, wind and rain has not been convenient for fishing till now. A week ago, although there were signs of fish in the sea, the sudden storm which rose while attempting to catch the fish left us empty handed. Now, there is no glimpse of fish anywhere – Krishna S Suvarna, Padutonse

No income

The holiday for mechanized fishing will draw to an end on July 31^st. In the gap of two months a year which provide an opportunity for country boat fishermen to gain a slightly more income, those who ventured out into the sea this time have not earned anything. Most of them did not even venture out into the sea – Ramesh Kanchan, Vasu Kunder, Country Boat Fishermen