The extension of the statutory trawling ban from 45 days to 60 days has dashed the hopes of a good catch, especially precious varieties such as mathi (sardines). It is that time of the year when fishermen here make a fortune from the bountiful catch of mathi, which is in high demand in Kerala. In the past, fishing resumed from June first week after the 45-day ban. The extension of fishing holiday to 60 days meant putting off fishing till June 14. According to fishermen, in the first two days they caught mathi and vanjaram (seer fish). These are the varieties that fetch good money after the ban, they said. In the last three days, our catch was restricted to vari kavala’, which does not fetch much money in the market. Moreso has to be packaged immediately, otherwise it will decompose, said Prem, a fisherman from Thengaithittu harbour. The fishermen said the extension of ban was a huge loss and the government needed to look into their concerns. It might be recalled that the government had earmarked ?11 crore to pay a relief of ?5,500 to each of the fishermen’s family as compensation for the loss of employment during the ban.