Even though it has been 10 days since the mandatory 61-day fishing ban was lifted, fishermen in Goa have been having a difficult time bringing in any substantial catch. Unfavourable weather conditions have proven a mighty obstacle to fishermen desirous of venturing into the sea, forcing some to anchor their fishing vessels in other territorial waters. “Some fishermen have been attempting to venture into Goan waters but the sea is too rough out there. Hence, we have had no choice but to anchor along the Karwar coastline and wait it out,” said presidents of the Cutbona Boat Owners Association, Savio D’Silva. Fishermen from South Goa’s Cutbona jetty are yet to venture into Goan waters owing to the weather scenario. “We’ve been having a very hard time catching any fish. We’re only allowed to fish in our territorial waters which puts Karwar off-limits for us. But so far, their fishermen have not raised an issue with our encroachment,” lamented a purseiner, Patrick D’Silva. The situation at North Goa’s Malim jetty is no better, either. “Though the weather is sunny in the city, the conditions at sea are not so welcoming. The seas are so rough that we cannot even cast our nets to catch fish,” said Menino Afonso who has based his operations at the jetty. He added that local fishermen may have to deal with bad weather for at least another week until conditions improve. Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.
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