Fisherfolk return to sea with hope as annual ban ends

Mechanized boat fishermen returned to sea after two months despite weather warnings as the annual fishing ban ended on Sunday. They hoped for a good harvest to offset the recent hike in fuel prices and other essential materials.During the ban period starting April 15, mechanized fishing boats such as trawlers and gillnetters are prohibited from operating to allow fish to spawn in Bay of Bengal and adjacent waters. On Sunday evening, the fishers offered prayers for a successful harvest as well as for the boats to avoid any conflicts with Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait.Boat owners are concerned about the rising fuel prices triggered by the West Asia conflict.

D Sakthivel from Akkaraipettai in Nagapattinam district, said, “Our investment for each fishing trip has increased drastically due to the hike in fuel prices. Hope we get a good catch to offset the higher costs and generate profits to support our income and that of our labourers.”The fisherfolk urged Tamil Nadu and Union govts to reduce taxes on fuel and increase the monthly quota for subsidized diesel. Meanwhile, IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre warned fishers against venturing into the sea from June 14 to 18.

“Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, over the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin area,” the IMD stated. However, ignoring the warnings, fisherfolk ventured into the sea on thousands of mechanized boats from various districts including Thiruvallur and Chennai till Kanyakumari, stretching 1,076km coastline.Trawlers undertake fishing trips lasting from a day to a week.

Gillnetters-cum-longliners, also known as deep-sea fishing boats, embark on voyages that last from about a week up to a month. Once they return, the fish catch reaches local markets within a day for domestic consumption, and commercial ports within a week for international export.P Jesuraj, a fishermen representative and president of All-Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association, said, “Along with fuel, the prices of ice blocks, cooking gas, food, and fishing gear have also increased. If we do not make profits, the ban period remains unproductive.”