Slow return of workforce at jetty, rough seas cloud August 1 kickoff
Migrant crew reporting at the Cutbona fishing jetty ahead of the new fishing season.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Migrant labourers have started returning in small numbers to the Cutbona fishing jetty, ahead of the new fishing season that officially begins on August 1.
However, mechanised boat owners remain uncertain about launching operations on the scheduled date due to prevailing rough sea conditions and the fact that a majority of the workforce has yet to return.
Some boat owners have reportedly travelled to states like Odisha and Jharkhand to ensure their crew members return to the jetty in time. Sources indicated that migrant workers typically come back after completing paddy sowing in their native villages.
A visit to the Cutbona jetty—Goa’s largest fishing hub—revealed that activity is gradually picking up after a two-month hiatus due to the seasonal fishing ban. Workers who have already returned can be seen prepping the vessels—painting, chipping, and carrying out necessary maintenance ahead of the new season.
Boat owner Seby Cardozo noted that only a small percentage of the labour force has reported so far. “Boat owners are hoping the migrant workers return on time so that the boats can head out to sea starting August 1,” he said.
Seby expressed concern about the weather conditions, saying, “The sea is very rough. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Some boats may go out on August 1, but that depends on the weather Gods and the arrival of the workers.”
Reflecting on the previous season, Seby said it was one of the worst in two decades. “Last year saw very poor catches for most mechanised boats. The fish yield was significantly lower than in previous years,” he noted. Despite the challenges, boat owners are hopeful for a better season this year.
Health, safety measures tightened at jetty
MARGAO: Following last season’s cholera outbreak at Cutbona jetty, which claimed a few migrant lives, authorities and boat owners are now coordinating health screenings for returning workers—mainly from Odisha and Jharkhand—ahead of the new fishing season.
Ahead of the season’s commencement, the Health Department has already carried out inspections of the fishing vessels. Additionally, letters are being dispatched to boat owners, urging them to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards for crew members on board.
A health booth will be set up at the jetty to screen migrant labourers for vector-borne diseases and other potential health risks. Boat owner Seby Cardozo confirmed that owners have collectively agreed to send their crew for health screening within 24 hours of reporting to the jetty.
He also pointed out that the new fishing jetty had been used to store fishing nets during the off-season ban. As a result, boat owners have requested the Fisheries Department to extend the deadline to clear the nets and docked dinghies until August 15.
