Fishing season commences with high hopes of bumper catch

After observing conservation for two months as per the orders of Ministry of Fisheries, mechanised and motorised fiber boats are back in action in Andhra Pradesh from Sunday with a lot of excitement and expectation of a bumper catch.

The beginning of the new season after the mandatory two-month long conservation period also called the annual ban period to allow various species of fish to brew, has increased the expectation of the fishermen. This is mainly due to the early onset of monsoon and good amount of rainfall in the past few days. The fall in the temperature in the water will lead to a good yield.

The annual ban is being imposed on different dates on the east coast and west coast based on the recommendation of marine scientists to increase the dwindling number of catch following over-exploitation by the mechanised boats. "This season we are expecting a very good catch and returns on our investment," Arjili Dasu, general secretary of National Fisherfolk Forum, told Bizz on Sunday.

Due to interest shown by many boat operators to venture into the sea as soon as the fishing season started from the early hours, severe shortage of ice caused some tension. Even though the ice plants located in the city operated their units at maximum capacity, they could not cater to the heavy demand leading to the intervention of the boat owners' association. On the first day, almost 50% of the boats went into sailing.

Visakhapatnam, one of the major fish land centres in India, which accounts for seafood exports to the tune of over Rs.18,000 crore, is home to over 600 mechanised boats and 2,000 fiber boats. Pudimadaka, Machilipatnam, Kakinada and Bhavanapadu are also considered as important hubs with several boats operating from these places. The payment of Rs.20,000 as compensation, doubling the amount paid earlier, for the fishermen for loss of income during the ban period, has also come as a big relief for their families.

Andhra Pradesh Mechanised Boat Operators' Association leader Vasupalli Janakiram said following their intervention, the boat owners have agreed to go into the sea in phases. He said despite high operational cost due to the amount spent on diesel, wages and provisions for preparation of crew during the voyage, they are confident of an encouraging catch including high-value tiger shrimp, konam and white pomfret.