Traditional fishermen along Salcete’s coast gearing up for the new fishing season.
MARGAO
Traditional fishermen are gearing up for the new fishing season with just a couple of days to go for the 61-day fishing ban to end.
They, however, are keeping their fingers crossed with rough conditions expected in the sea as heavy rains have not subsided yet.
The coastal areas of Salcete are abuzz with activity, with the traditional fishermen preparing their way for the new fishing season. The Arabian Sea is rough with huge waves battering the coast. The Indian Metrological Department has also issued an orange alert, but that has not deterred the traditional fishing community from preparing for the new fishing season.
A visit to the fishing village of Colva on Monday revealed that the preparations for the new season had commenced in earnest. Migrant labourers have started reporting for work as testing of motors used by the traditional fishermen to venture out into the sea is underway. Some of the fishermen along the Colva-Benaulim belt were huddled to mend their nets.
Colva-based traditional fisherman Domingo Rodrigues told 'The Goan' that the stage is finally set for the commencement of the new fishing season. He, however, expressed concerns over the weather. “It all depends on the Almighty and the sea when the fishermen would venture out for fishing,” Domingo said.
He added: “This is the time of the year when the traditional fishermen prepare to venture out for fishing with the motorised canoes. Some of the fishermen are testing their motors before they are fitted on the canoes. The fishing nets will be transferred to the fishing canoes just a day or two before they finally venture out for fishing.”
Domingo, however, pointed out that the timing of the fishing activity depends on the condition of the sea. “Presently, the sea is very rough. The conditions prevailing in the sea are not conducive to fishing. We will have to wait and watch the situation before venturing out,” he said.
Benaulim-based traditional fisherman Pele Fernandes said the fishermen from Benaulim will assemble at the Holy Cross on July 25 to seek blessings of the Almighty for a good fishing season before venturing out into the sea.
“As usual, the fishermen will assemble near the Cross on July 25 to seek blessings of the Almighty. After the traditional custom, depending on the weather conditions, the fishermen are free to venture out for fishing,” Pele said.
