Kolkata: Expect more fish variety, particularly sea fish, to reach the markets next week, with fishermen finally set to venture into the deep seas in trawlers after uncertainty over fuel availability was resolved late on Tuesday.
Fuel Supply Relaxation Brings Relief
The petroleum and natural gas ministry announcing relaxation in fuel supply restrictions that were earlier announced through a notification has come as a huge relief to thousands of fishermen operating from Diamond Harbour, Kakdwip, Fraserganj and Digha, ending days of uncertainty over diesel availability for deep-sea fishing. Fuel supply to fishing trawlers resumed at petrol pumps in the Kakdwip region from Wednesday morning.
The new order allows fuel outlets to supply diesel to trawlers after verifying registration documents, overriding the June 11 notification that had stopped the long-standing practice of supplying diesel in ordinary drums and barrels used to store fuel in trawlers. Industry representatives had warned that the curbs could disrupt marine fishing and threaten thousands of livelihoods.
Seasonal Ban Lifted
In Kolkata, fish variety and supply have been low owing to the seasonal ban (fishing is banned during the breeding season from April 15 to June 14) that has only just got over. During this period, only a few varieties of fish like rohu, katla, tangra, parshe and pabda that are bred in fish farms were available in the market. With trawlers now setting sail, hilsa, bekti, pomphret, surmai and other fish varieties will hit the market soon.
Impact on Livelihoods
“We are grateful to the ministry for reconsidering the decision. Around 60,000 to 70,000 people are directly involved in fishing, while several lakh others depend on it indirectly. Fishing is the only source of livelihood here. Without it, many would be forced to migrate to other states as labourers,” said Satinath Patra, secretary of the Sunderbans Samudrik Matsyajibi Shramik Union.
Bijon Maity, secretary of the Kakdwip Fishermen Association, said the relief went beyond fishermen. “There are nearly 17,000 small and large fishing boats across South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Trawler and boat owners, particularly those operating diesel-powered vessels, are the backbone of the fishing industry. They bear the entire cost of each voyage, which can exceed Rs 25 lakh, including labour payments, advance wages to fishermen, daily wages, food supplies, ice and fuel,” Maity said.
A typical deep-sea trip employs about 17 crew members and needs 15 to 16 barrels of diesel for nearly two weeks. Many owners raise funds through loans or by mortgaging assets. Industry representatives said 4,000-5,000 vessels that delayed departures are now expected to return to sea.
