Fishermen Resume Sea Operations Despite Weather Advisory
Mechanized boat fishermen returned to sea after a two-month hiatus, despite weather warnings, as the annual fishing ban concluded on Sunday. They are optimistic about a bountiful harvest to counterbalance the recent surge in fuel prices and other essential supplies.
Annual Fishing Ban Lifted
During the ban period, which began on April 15, mechanized fishing vessels like trawlers and gillnetters are prohibited from operating to allow fish spawning in the Bay of Bengal and adjacent waters. On Sunday evening, fishermen offered prayers for a successful harvest and to avoid conflicts with Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait.
Fuel Price Concerns
Boat owners are worried about rising fuel costs triggered by the West Asia conflict. D Sakthivel from Akkaraipettai in Nagapattinam district stated, “Our investment for each fishing trip has increased drastically due to the hike in fuel prices. We hope for a good catch to offset higher costs and generate profits to support our income and that of our labourers.”
Appeal for Subsidies
The fisherfolk urged the Tamil Nadu and Union governments to reduce taxes on fuel and increase the monthly quota for subsidized diesel. Meanwhile, the 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 to Kanyakumari, stretching along the 1,076 km coastline.
Fishing Trip Durations
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. Upon 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 the 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.”
