Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 11: Even though lockdown norms have been eased and industrial as well as financial activities are set to gain momentum again, deep sea fishing is in limbo. The worry among the fisherfolk stems from the fact that this fishing season will come to an end on May 31 and they can resume fishing only after a gap of two months since then.

The district administrations have not given their nod for mechanised fishing. At the same time, the workers have returned to their homes. Therefore the sector is facing a grave problem on account of dearth of workers.

After about 5,000 migrant workers from various states left by buses and trains, the fishing sector like many others, is facing shortage of workers. The remaining workers, numbering about 500, who are found at Bunder area also are preparing to go back home. Therefore this fishing season will be marked by the absence of workers.

The deep sea fishing boats undertake eight to ten days fishing trips. The fishermen have therefore approached the district administration with a request to permit mechanized boats which undertake fishing trips of single day duration. Once the permission is received, about 150 boats may take to waters with the support of people from Ullal and Bengre areas.

Another big question mark staring the fishermen in the eye is the requirement to maintain social distancing. Fishing docks everywhere are known as crowded, noisy places where maintaining any kind of discipline or rule is next to impossible, the fishing community points out.

Deputy director of fisheries of Dakshina Kannada district Harish Kumar, said that chances of permitting deep sea fishing are remote as the district is in orange zone. Fishermen leader Nitin Kumar, feels that some sort of fishing activity can be undertaken even if single day fishing boats are allowed to function now.