Fishing season faces slow start due to heavy rain, labour shortage

Panaji: Goa’s fishing industry is struggling to get fully under way as many boat workers from other states have yet to arrive. Heavy rainfall and persistent rough weather conditions are being blamed for the delayed arrival of labourers, which in turn has limited the number of boats able to venture out to sea.At fishing jetties like Vasco and Cutbona, only 50-60% of regular operations are functional, while the Malim jetty has seen a mere 10% activity. Many boat owners at Malim are anticipating a slow ramp-up, planning to start full-scale fishing operations only after Sep, especially with Ganesh Chaturthi festivities approaching.“With only half the workforce here, we can barely manage 50% of our usual fishing trips.

The weather really set us back this season,” said a boat owner from Betim.The seasonal fishing ban, imposed annually from June 1 to July 31 by Goa govt, restricts fishing activities using mechanical propulsion, trawl nets, and purse seine nets along the seacoast and territorial waters. This mandatory pause aims to allow marine life to replenish.Following the lifting of the ban, most trawler owners operating from Malim jetty kept their vessels anchored, awaiting better weather conditions and a full workforce.

In contrast, a few boat operators from Betul and Vasco started limited sea ventures with a smaller labour force.“Despite the challenges, a few of us started venturing into the sea with the limited crew we have, but it’s not sustainable for long. Safety is our priority. We strongly advise fishermen not to venture into the sea during the forecasted squally weather to avoid any mishaps,” said another boat owner.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Aug 20 and 21, forecasting heavy rainfall in both North and South Goa districts. The IMD also warned of squally weather conditions along the south Konkan-Goa coasts.The IMD advisory warns fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period.