A mechanised boat arrives at the Cutbona fishing jetty with a poor fish catch.
MARGAO
Goan fishermen, including traditional fishermen and boat owners, find themselves at sea as they return from the sea either with poor or no catch, throwing up questions over the factors responsible for the decline in fish catch.
The prevailing situation has had an adverse impact on the price of fish at Goa’s lone wholesale fish market at Margao as well as the local retail fish market, with fish such as Kingfish being sold at a premium.
The decline in fish catch by the mechanised boats as well as traditional fishermen is a subject of debate amongst the fishing community as they try to figure out the reasons behind the situation.
Friday saw a group of Benaulim-based fishermen, comprising of Pele Fernandes, returning to the shore empty-handed as their fishing trip ended in disappointment sans any catch.
“We had ventured out in the sea on Friday morning with our motorised canoe and traditional gear with the hope of netting fish. Despite venturing out deep in the sea, we returned home with a poor catch,” he said.
Pele added: “The Fisheries department should find out the reasons behind the fish decline in the State. How are the traditional fishermen to eke out a living when their fishing efforts do not bear fruit. This is a time for introspection.”
Attributing the emerging situation to the rampant fishing by speed boats from outside the State fishing in the territorial waters of Goa, Pele said bull trawling has affected the fish catch. "The government should crack a whip against the illegal fishing methods,” he demanded.
At the Cutbona fishing jetty, Goa’s major fishing hub, one can hear stories of poor catch at every corner. Colva-based boat owner, John Camilo Rodigues, pointed out that boat owners are indeed at sea over the fish decline in recent days.
“Our fishing boats have been fishing in deep sea all along the west coast, but the fish catch is down compared to last few years. Sometimes, the boat owners find business unviable as the fish catch barely covers the fuel cost. In addition, we have to look after the manpower employed on the fishing vessels,” he said.
He added: “We do not know the exact reason for the decline in fish catch. Our crew have come across jelly fish in deep sea; that may have affected the fish availability."
Former president of Cutbona Boat Owners Union, Savio D’Silva, conceded that fish catch has been on the decline over the last few days. “Our boats are returning without any major catch. The situation is attributed to bad weather conditions, which are not conducive for fishing. Strong winds and currents have come in the way of fishing in the sea," he said.
At the wholesale fish market, a kilogram of Kingfish presently commands a rate of Rs 900-1000. The story is no different as regards the common man’s fish, mackerel, with a kilogram of medium and big-sized fish sold for Rs 200 in the market.
