MARGAO
With just five days to go for the commencement of the new fishing season, traditional fishermen from Colva are making preparations along the coast. However, they fear that rough weather conditions may play spoilsport, as strong winds and heavy rains have battered the coastline over the past 24 hours.
The preparations for the new season are well underway, with the once-quiet coastal fishing village of Colva gradually coming back to life. Migrant labourers working on the country-made motorized canoes have begun reporting for duty, bringing renewed hustle and bustle to the shoreline.
Workers have been seen loading fishing nets into the canoes, getting them ready to set sail as soon as the season officially begins.
Fisherman Pedru Francis Fernandes expressed concern about the current sea conditions. “The sea is rough and not suitable for country-made motorized canoes to venture out. It was relatively calm on Thursday, but today strong winds have hit the coast. This suggests that the situation may worsen over the next two days,” he said.
Despite the inclement weather, Pedru noted that preparations are in full swing. “Workers employed by many fishermen have reported to the landing centres. We’re doing everything to be ready for the new season,” he added.
Another fisherman voiced frustration over complaints made to authorities by boat owners. “They’ve targeted traditional fishermen unfairly. We haven’t violated the fishing ban. We’re simply waiting for the weather to settle before heading out to sea,” he said.
