With the improvement in sea water conditions and a reduction in strong gusty winds, traditional local fishermen, or ramponkars, in the Indian State of Goa began catching a large quantity of solar prawns and a variety of other fish on Tuesday.
Traditional ramponkars, who use smaller powered canoes, typically head out to sea a few days before the official end of the fishing ban, which was imposed on June 1 and will be lifted on August 1. Although the law permits them to fish during the ban, rough water and wind conditions often make it unsafe for them to venture out. Following the blessing of the sea, boats, nets, and other fishing equipment earlier last week, traditional fishermen had to wait a few more days due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. On Monday, several fishermen who had ventured out in their canoes were rescued after their canoes partially capsized off the coast of Colva.
On Tuesday, however, several fishermen from Colva and Benaulim successfully ventured out to sea and returned with a plentiful catch of solar prawns, as well as a mix of small fish and mackerels. This bounty brought welcome relief to Goans, who flocked to the beach to purchase the fresh prawns and fish. Meanwhile, larger boats and trawlers are preparing to head out as the official end of the fishing ban approaches on August 1.