As the new fishing season begins, fishermen along Colva’s coastline are preparing their boats and gear, but rough sea conditions have delayed their return to the waters.
For the traditional fishing community here, the wait has been difficult, both emotionally and economically.
Pedru Fernandes, a traditional Ramponkar and lifelong fisherman, described the hardship his community has faced due to the turbulent weather.
“The sea has been very rough these days. It has affected us very badly.. “We’re just waiting for good weather so we can go back to the sea. Our families depend on this work.”
The southwest monsoon has brought heavy swells and strong winds, making it unsafe for small fishing vessels to operate. While this season typically marks a fresh start for the local fishing industry following the monsoon fishing ban, many fishermen have had to hold back.
The fishing ban, imposed annually to allow marine life to replenish, is set to be lifted soon. Yet for those like Fernandes and his fellow fishermen, the end of the ban means little without calmer waters.
“Everything is ready — our boats, our nets, our engines,” Fernandes added. “But the sea is not ready for us yet. We can't risk our lives just to go out and return empty-handed or worse.”
Along the Colva shoreline, the scene is one of cautious optimism. Fishermen can be seen repairing nets, servicing engines, and making last-minute adjustments to their boats. Many work in groups, helping each other while sharing concerns about the weather. Local fisherman Joaquim D’Silva echoed the sentiment: “Every day we wait is a day without income. But safety comes first. The sea decides when we go.”
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast that the rough conditions may ease in the next couple of days, giving hope to the fishing community. Local authorities have advised fishermen to continue monitoring weather updates and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
For the traditional fishing families of Colva, the beginning of the season marks more than just the end of the monsoon — it is the start of renewed livelihood and community rhythm. All eyes are now on the horizon, waiting for calmer tides to bring them back to sea.