VASCO
The fishing season in Kharewado, expected to commence on August 1, has faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. Strong currents and a storm at sea have marred the start of the season, leaving boat owners and fishermen struggling. Sources reported that the usual substantial catch of solar prawns, both for small and large boats at the beginning of the season, was not possible this year.
Huge crates of solar prawns, typically seen at the jetty and the numerous vehicles transporting the catch are noticeably absent. According to All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association president and former minister Jose Philip D'Souza, boats have been lying idle at the jetty.
“We usually start the season by August 1, post the fishing ban period, with a great catch of fish. However, this time, natural occurrences have heavily impacted us. Continuous torrential rains and strong winds have disrupted the lives of fishermen, creating dangerous sea currents. Adding to this, a significant storm has made it impossible for us to venture out,” said D'Souza.
He further mentioned that the few boats that ventured into the sea returned empty-handed. “The sea was rough with strong currents, and no fish were in sight due to the disturbed patterns caused by the currents. Fish usually go to the bottom of the sea during strong currents, making it impossible to catch them.
"This results in significant financial losses for boat owners, including fuel costs and provisions for workers. The experienced workers from Odisha and other regions have also refused to venture into the sea, deeming it extremely dangerous. These workers, with decades of experience, have said that the sea conditions are so rough that it could cost them their lives. The government has also issued warnings about a major storm at sea and advised against venturing out until August 9,” said D'Souza.
Jetty issues
Addressing the issues faced by fishermen, D’Souza emphasised the need for a permanent jetty for the fishing community. “We have consistently demanded better facilities and a permanent jetty. Despite providing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mormugao Port Authority to the government, the promised permanent solution is still pending. The current jetty is dilapidated, with corroded plates causing two recent accidents. One person died after falling off the jetty, and another was injured. Through the efforts of Vijai Sardesai and Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar in the assembly, the WRD department temporarily repaired and maintained the jetty, but a larger, more permanent solution is necessary,” said D'Souza.
Pending subsidies
D’Souza also highlighted the issue of pending subsidies. “The government used to provide VAT reimbursement on fuel, which was a significant help to small boat owners, even covering some repair costs. However, this scheme has been discontinued," D'Souza said.
"The government should have cleared our pending subsidies before discontinuing the scheme. This subsidy is crucial for fishermen, and its absence may force many boat owners to abandon the profession. The government needs to immediately clear our subsidies and reinstate the scheme, which is still available to the fishing community in neighbouring states," said D’Souza.
