Turbulent waters keep traditional fishermen anchored

Traditional fishermen normally venture out in the sea with their country made canoes around July 24-25 every year. The rough sea conditions, however, have forced the fishermen to wait for the sea to calm down before going ahead with the annual event.

In fact, hectic activity was spotted along the Benaulim-Colva stretch of Salcete coast, with the traditional fishermen bracing up to venture out in the sea. 

While the country made boats have been fitted with motors, it has been loaded with the fishing nets as well. If sources are to be believed, the migrant crew lending a helping hand to the traditional fishermen have also arrived.

A traditional fisherman from Benaulim, Pele Fernandes, said the local fishermen have been gearing up to venture out in the sea in the last couple of days, but rough sea conditions have played spoilsport so far. “We usually venture out in the sea with our traditional gear by July 24-25. This year, however, the rough sea has prevented us from starting the new fishing season”, he said, while saying that the fishermen are keeping their fingers crossed when the rough sea conditions will subside.

He added: “This is the time in the year when the traditional fishermen when we net catch of the prized solar shrimp and other fish before the mechanized fishing vessels venture out in the sea. Since the rough sea conditions have come in the way of the traditional fishermen venturing out in the sea, I would like to request the government to ensure that the mechanized vessels are barred from fishing within the five nautical miles zone”.

Saying there exists a ban on mechanized fishing within the five nautical mile zone, Pele, however, lamented that the rule is not enforced by the fisheries department.

Sources said Salcete coast, spanning from Colva-Benaulim-Varca and Mobor plays host to around 150 country made fishing vessels, which used to normally venture out in the sea around July 24-25 every year.