MARGAO
Benaulim fishermen landed a unique catch on Wednesday ” not a large fish, but a one-tonne abandoned nylon rope. Instead of claiming the Rs 20,000 reward they were entitled to, they requested that the amount be donated to orphaned children for their educational needs.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, while the fishermen were out in choppy waters. Spotting the large rope floating adrift, the team, led by fisherman Pele Fernandes, hauled it ashore and immediately contacted Tree Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working on marine conservation, to take possession of it. Speaking to the media, Pele explained that the fishermen had previously been advised by the NGO to report or retrieve "ghost nets" and abandoned nylon ropes if they came across them during fishing trips. These items, often discarded by large vessels, are known to damage local fishing nets and harm marine ecosystems.
“At a recent meeting organised in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and the Coast Guard, we were informed about the importance of retrieving such waste from the sea,” Pele said. “When we found the rope, we immediately informed the NGO for proper disposal.”
The NGO had assured the fishermen of a compensation of Rs 20 per kilogram for such recoveries. Given that the rope weighed approximately one tonne, the fishermen were eligible for a Rs 20,000 reward. However, they unanimously decided to forgo the amount and instead asked the NGO to direct the funds toward supporting the education of orphaned children.
A representative of Tree Foundation expressed deep gratitude for the gesture. “We have taken possession of the rope, which will now be sent for recycling,” she confirmed. “We sincerely thank the Benaulim fishermen, led by Pele Fernandes, for their extraordinary kindness and commitment to both marine conservation and community welfare.”
