Fish scarce as fishermen face lean spell

Traditional fishermen mend their nets at Colva beach. Poor catches over the past few days have forced many boats to remain anchored.

MARGAO
Blame it on weather fluctuations or changing sea conditions, fish has been scarce in local fish markets over the past few days. Except for sardines, traditional fishermen say that most other varieties have suddenly disappeared from the catch, though they remain hopeful of improved conditions over the next two months.
Colva-based traditional fisherman Jose Camilo Silva, popularly known as Jepsy, told the media that several traditional fishermen have anchored their country-made boats due to the sharp decline in fish availability.
He said that small sardines have been available in large quantities since October. However, other varieties, including the much-favoured Goan mackerel, sole fish and similar species, are not being found in abundance in the sea.
Sources said the bumper availability of small sardines close to the shore has helped traditional fishermen eke out a living during this difficult period.
“We send part of the catch to the market to meet customer demand. The remaining catch is sent to the fish meal plant at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate and across the border,” a fisherman said.
Sources further informed that the price of the prized kingfish is hovering around Rs 800–1,000 per kilogram in the markets due to the fish scarcity.