Most boat operators consider season as moderate
Fishing vessels dropped anchor at the Cutbona fishing jetty ahead of the fishing ban from June 1.
MARGAO
With just days remaining before the annual fishing ban comes into force on June 1, most fishing vessels operating from the Cutbona fishing jetty have already dropped anchor, bringing activity at Goa’s largest fishing hub almost to a standstill.
A visit to the bustling Cutbona jetty in South Goa revealed a deserted waterfront, with long rows of trawlers and fishing boats docked along the jetty. Sources at the harbour said that barring a handful of vessels, nearly the entire fishing fleet has suspended operations ahead of schedule.
Boat owners and fishermen say this is perhaps the first time in recent years that fishing operations have wound up so early due to a severe decline in fish catch. Traditionally, the second fortnight of May is considered crucial for trawler operators, who rely on the period to net sizeable catches of mackerels and other commercially valuable fish before the monsoon fishing ban begins.
This season, however, most fishing vessels reportedly returned empty-handed over the past 10 days, forcing operators to halt fishing activities. Adding to their woes were strong sea currents witnessed in recent days, making fishing operations difficult and unsafe for many vessels.
Chairman of the Cutbona Fisheries Society, Savio D’Silva, said his boats had stopped venturing into the sea earlier this month because of poor catches. “My boats are presently undergoing maintenance work. More than 90 per cent of the fishing boats have already wound up operations,” D’Silva said.
Former president of the Cutbona Boat Owners Union, Cypriano Cardozo, echoed similar sentiments, saying the sharp decline in fish availability had compelled boat owners to end the season early.
“With no major fish catch in the last several days, boat owners have decided to stop operations. More than 90 per cent of fishing activity has come to a halt even before the fishing ban begins,” Cardozo said.
Boat owner Patrick D’Silva said nearly all fishing vessels had returned to the jetty ahead of the annual ban. Assessing the overall season, he described it as moderate.
“The season was neither exceptionally good nor very bad. Some boat owners may have earned good returns, but overall, most operators would consider this season moderate,” he said.
The annual fishing ban, imposed during the monsoon season to allow fish breeding and regeneration, will come into effect from June 1 and continue for 61 days along Goa’s coast. During the ban period, trawlers and mechanised fishing vessels are prohibited from venturing into the sea.
Meanwhile, with fishing activities coming to a premature halt, boat owners and crew members have now shifted focus to repair and maintenance work on their vessels in preparation for the next fishing season.
