Country-made boats of traditional fishermen anchored at the Colva shore.
MARGAO
With the annual fishing ban coming into force on June 1, traditional fishermen from Colva have once again anchored their country-made boats along the shoreline, highlighting the persistent lack of a dedicated berthing facility for the fishing community in the coastal village.
As the two-month monsoon fishing ban begins, fishermen have pulled their wooden canoes and small fishing vessels ashore for safekeeping. In the absence of a designated docking or berthing area, the fishermen are left with no option but to secure their boats on the beach every year during the monsoon season.
A visit to Colva beach revealed rows of country-made boats lined up along the shore, with several fishermen taking precautionary measures to protect their vessels from the harsh weather conditions associated with the southwest monsoon. Many of the boats have been covered with tarpaulins and protective sheets to shield them from heavy rain, strong winds and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Local fishermen reiterated their long-standing demand for a dedicated berthing facility, pointing out that the current arrangement exposes their boats to damage during rough weather and causes inconvenience while resuming fishing operations after the ban period ends.
