Team Herald
MARGAO: The traditional fishermen from Betul and the surrounding areas of Cutbona, Assolna, Ambelim and Velim are delighted to report that 2023 has been different compared to the previous 10 years, as shellfish have finally returned to River Sal.
The fishermen who have been complaining about several issues that have affected their livelihood including the disappearance of shellfish from the river, are elated that they are able to harvest ‘tisreos’ and ‘xinanios’ again. They have even recently had a bumper catch of clams and mussels and these sold well at markets in Margao, Assolna and Cuncolim.
Vinay Tari, the President of the Cutbona Fisheries Cooperative Society, said the fishermen are happy that they can earn a good income from the sale of shellfish as they were suffering after the total decline of shellfish in the river.
Prashant Tari recalled how the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) had done studies which attributed the reasons for the decline in shellfish to high pollution levels.Prashant added that the size of the tisreos and xinanios are smaller compared to what it was earlier, but this is a bright sign that they can be hopeful for a good catch in the future.
On Sunday, a meeting was held with the traditional fishermen, who asked the contractor carrying out the desilting work of River Sal to avoid spots where shellfish are found.
