Local Goa News

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Ban ends, but fishing may not start today

Panaji: The mandatory 61-day fishing ban in the state came to an end on Sunday as the fishing season commences on August 1, yet the people may have to wait longer for a fresh catch.
With unfavourable weather conditions and the arrival of crew members having delayed, fishermen in the state are not likely to venture out for fishing in the state on Monday.

The annual monsoon fishing ban from was imposed from June 1 to July 31 to facilitate breeding of fish during the spawning season.
"Our boats and nets are ready but workers are awaited. Thus only a few boats may go out on Monday to commence fishing," said vice chairman, Mandovi fisheries cooperative society, Francis D'Souza.
The fishermen are thus willing to brave a little rain and venture into the seas.
"There is only a bit of rain; the seas are not that rough. But we cannot head into the waters without a complete crew. It will take another week or two for all the workers to return from their respective native places and resume their duties onboard," said fisherman at the Malim jetty, Menino Afonso.
Though nearly 70% of the fishermen and crew at the Cutbona jetty have arrived in time for the season to commence, the unfavourable weather conditions may prove to be an obstacle. They were alerted about a possible cyclone on August 2.
"Since it is the first day of the fishing season, we will venture into the seas for fishing on Monday morning and return in the evening. As far as the potential cyclone on August 2 is concerned, we will decide to head into the seas depending on the weather on that day," said president, Cutbona boat owners association, Savio D'Silva.
Even small boats by traditional fishermen may go out only short distances and avoid the deep seas, opined ramponkar, Ozer Mendes.
The state fisheries department has already issued a warning to the fishermen and boat owners not to venture into the sea due to the weather conditions.
"The fishing season is officially open but owing to the weather conditions we have issued a warning to them not to go out," said director, fisheries, Shamila Monteiro.

TOI Goa News

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