MARGAO
Traditional fishermen along Salcete coastal belt began the new fishing season on a promising note, with fishermen at Colva and in neighbouring Benaulim netting bumper fish catch on Sunday.
Fishermen were particularly optimistic of a good season ahead after spotting the prized solar shrimp in local waters on Day One of the season. While the shrimp were not netted on the first day ” owing to the use of cantaari nets, which are not designed for prawn fishing ” their presence has raised hopes of a rich harvest in the days ahead.
At Colva, traditional fishermen using rampon nets reported a plentiful catch of mixed fish varieties. Their counterparts in Benaulim also returned to shore with generous hauls, marking a strong start to the monsoon fishing season.
Traditional fishermen from Colva Gepsy told The Goan that the commencement of the new fishing with rampon paid rich dividends as the fishermen managed to net bumper catch of fish. The variety of fish netted by the Colva fishermen included solar prawns.
“We are all happy that our new fishing season has begun on a positive note. We pray to the Almighty to bless our traditional occupation and provide us good catch throughout the season,” he said.
At neighbouring Benaulim beach belt, traditional fishermen ventured out in the sea with their traditional motorised canoes, and returning back with moderate catch of mixed variety of fish.
Fisherman Pele said his motorised canoe netted fish such as basketful of mackerel, solar shrimp and baby shark fish. “We are all happy to begin the fishing season with a bumper catch of fish. We thank the Almighty for hearing our prayers for a successful fishing season,” he said.
Saying that the fishermen have spotted shrimp in the shallow waters, Pele said the hunt for the solar shrimp will begin in the coming days.
“We only hope and pray that the shrimp does not vanish from the sea before we venture out with the fishing gear,” he added.
