Kochi : One by one, boats that took off to seas after the trawling ban are trickling into the harbour. The vessels had left shores last Sunday morning when the ban ended.
Several families, left penniless from the two total lockdowns since Covid outbreak, have pawned their houses to be able to mend their fishing boats and venture into seas again. Many among them have huge loan burdens at bank. Harbours had opened Sunday in full conformation with Covid protocols. Around 15 – 20 fish workers went by each boat.
Scores of families draw their livelihood from fishing related activities such as head load work, ice factories, small traders, packing units, vehicles, drivers etc. The boatsmen stay back at sea fishing for an average of three days, but upon returning, can sell their ware only from dawn 3 to 7am.
Also only 35 boats can sell their catch on any given day. Anyone fishing at seas without permit face punishment. Only those vaccinated or having a valid covid-free certificate can go for fishing or enter the harbour.
Main challenges fishing folks grapple with are high fuel costs and foreign trawlers. As other state workers are slow to return, around 70 percent of the boat workers are locals. Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department has instructed formation of committees at all harbours and fit communication systems in each boat taking to the seas.