TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: The 61-day ban imposed on fishing in the deep sea came to an end on Wednesday and the Malim jetty was abuzz with activities as fishermen were readying the trawlers to venture into the sea.
Speaking to Herald, Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Co-op Society President Menino Afonso informed that none of their 326 mechanized fishing vessels had left the jetty on Thursday due to bad weather.
“Further, 75% of migrant workers from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand are yet to report to duty. So far, only workers from Karnataka have reported to duty,” he said.
“Generally, about 30 workers work on big trawlers and 10 on small trawlers. The workforce from other states is expected to reported to duty within next 10 days and once the workers arrive, the fishing activities will commence in full swing if weather condition improves,” added Afonso.
Afonso further said this year good fish catch is expected as the ban period was for 61 days. “The trawler owners were not happy with the State government’s decision to permit fishing to registered motorized canoes fitted with outboard and inboard motors of 10 horse power during the fishing ban period,” said Afonso.
“It has annoyed the trawler owners. The ban should be binding on all segments of fishing community,” opined Afonso.
PANJIM REPORTER ADDS: Reports from most of the fishing jetties in North and South Goa revealed that there was no activity on the first day of the fishing season as trawler owners preferred to postpone plans of commencing fishing expeditions due to strong winds and rough sea.
Not a single trawler attached to the Mandovi Fishermen’s Co-operative Society at the Malim jetty sailed out Thursday.
While bad weather was one of the reasons for deferring commencement of fishing activities, the trawler owners also continued to complain of shortage of crew to assist in the fishing activities.
Menino Afonso, President of the MFCS, at Malim jetty also said that trawler owners need staff on board and at the jetties as well and inadequate personnel will make it difficult for the fishing community to start fishing activities.
Afonso said that while many of the trawler owners will face difficulties in getting crew to start fishing activities immediately, that in case the weather shows signs of improving those who are ready here could hope to begin fishing later this the week or in the next week.
Most of the fish vendors who were gearing up at the markets to cash in on the big catch of day one of the fishing season appeared a disappointed lot.
Even fish connoisseurs were disappointed that their wait for the solar prawns will take a little longer.
Meanwhile, the fisheries department has taken strong cognisance of canoes who ventured out to fish despite warnings of bad weather thereby endangering their lives.
Three incidents of small fishing boats capsizing were reported recently, the most recent being the one at Mobor and Colva.
