the goan I network
CANACONA
After the fishermen in Mormugao and Salcete talukas, it was the turn of their counterparts in Canacona taluka to net tonnes of the prized solar shrimps.
A number of motorised canoes returned with tonnes of solar shrimps, which have a high demand locally and across the country.
Despite the rough monsoon, fishermen were only too happy with the catch.
“Fishing when the sea is rough during the monsoon is worth taking the risk for the prized catch of solar shrimps,” defended a fisherman, when reminded of the fishing ban till July 31.
Many local fishermen were found selling solar shrimps at Rs 200 per kg and a basket of solar shrimps was quoted at prices ranging between Rs 1,200 and 1,500 at Palolem beach.
Sources told The Goan that only a handful of local fishermen would initially venture into the rough sea and, that too, close to the shore and return with small quantities of fish.
“But with news of fishermen in Mormugao and Salcete talukas netting in huge quantities of solar shrimps, several fishermen from Canacona reportedly engaged outside manpower and ventured out deeper only to net tonnes of solar shrimps,” informed the source.
According to the source, one fisherman returned with about 4.5 tonnes and another with 2.5 tonnes of solar shrimps.
A source said a number of outstation fish containers have been eyeing the solar shrimps to buy them in bulk and transport the catch out of the State.
After selling much of their catch to fish agents and dealers, the solar shrimps were later offered for sale to locals at Rs 200 per kilo. The stock was sold within minutes.
