Gavan Koliwada, a fishing village in Maharashtra, is located near the Arabian Sea at the end of Gavan Creek. The village depends on fishing for income, with access to the creek and nearby sea being crucial. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, India’s largest container port, is situated 10 kilometres west of Gavan Koliwada. Residents here are engaged in fishing; the village’s fishing industry relies on access to Gavan Creek and the nearby sea. Access to the sea for fisherfolk includes the right to use specific areas or fishing grounds, as well as the right to use certain types of fishing gear or techniques. The right to access the sea for fishing is an essential source of livelihood for coastal communities.
Proximity to the sea determines the fishing community’s access. Oceanographic conditions, climate patterns and marine ecosystems impact fish populations and fishing practices. Seabed features, water quality, coastal development, fishing regulations and conflicts with other users also influence fishing grounds’ safety and sustainability. Traditional fishermen in Maharashtra rely on non-mechanised fishing methods for their livelihood. They work independently or in small groups, fishing in coastal waters using nets, lines and hooks. With a deep connection to the local ecosystem, they follow sustainable practices inherited through generations, respecting the natural balance.
Fisherfolk in India also have the right to sell their catch for profit and to protect themselves and their property at sea. Additionally, the government has implemented various programmes and initiatives to support the livelihoods and welfare of fishing communities, such as subsidies for equipment and training and insurance schemes for fisherfolk. Deep-sea fishing involves fishing in the deep, open waters of the ocean using specialised equipment and techniques. It targets large fish species like tuna and marlin and can be done for sport or commercial purposes. Skilled anglers and crew are needed for safety and success in deep sea fishing due to the challenges and risks associated with it.
Stranded at sea
Ramkamlakar Koli, an elderly traditional fisherman from Gavan Koliwada, recollected an incident that occurred to him in the early 1990s. During that time, he and his team embarked on a fishing expedition in the Arabian Sea. However, their boat’s engine malfunctioned near Arnala, close to the Pakistan border. Stranded at sea for days, they faced dwindling food and fuel supplies, as well as a shortage of clean drinking water. In a state of panic, they even discussed the possibility of death in the group. Fortunately, the coast guard near Gujarat discovered them and provided food supplies. After communicating with the coast guard in Colaba, Mumbai, other local fishermen were called upon to rescue the team. Finally, after a gruelling 20 days, they were reunited with their families, who had believed them to be deceased. Ramkamlakar’s account highlights the dangers and challenges fishermen face at sea and the importance of timely assistance and sensitivity by the government in ensuring their safety.
In 2003, then-39-year-old Bharat Koli and his team were sailing on a mission to catch fish. After their lunch, the group of nine (Bharat Koli, Bandu, Ganpat, Lakshman, Madhav Hari, Ganesh, Harishchandra Anna, Kashibnath Daya and Ramaya) had spread the nets and were fast asleep when the coastguard approached the ship. They were immediately woken up, beaten brutally, unexplained, unwarranted. The local legislative assembly member discussed the issue in the winter session at the Nagpur assembly. However, the government or no authorities have taken responsibility for the act. As demonstrated by Bharat Koli in the picture below, the fishermen were asked to kneel. Bandu, Ganpat, Lakshman, Madhav Hari and Ganesh succumbed to injuries within the week after the incident. While Lakshman, Ganpat and Bandu succumbed to bleeding noses, Bharat Koli lost his vision. Inland fishing involves fishing in freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes and ponds. It uses various methods like rods, nets and traps to catch different fish species. Fishing regulations ensure sustainability and habitat management for this important activity. In 2014, an official threatened Manohar Koli, a 45-year-old fisherman who had been fishing inland. He was intimidated on board with a gun pointed towards his chest for entering into the channels constructed by the port authorities to guide ships towards the port. Similar incidents have been repeated frequently with his comrades, who were also threatened with guns on their chests for entering the channels. However, no legal action has been taken against any of the victims. The possibility of conflict among tourists, boats and commercial vessels is observed frequently. Respondents are unaware of conflict resolution mechanisms, their rights, responsible authorities and claimed violations.
Ramkamlakar’s story showcases authorities’ positive approach towards stranded fishermen. At the same time, Bharat’s story highlights increased vulnerability due to uninformed regulations and rapid infrastructure development. On the other hand, Manohar’s story reveals how fishing opportunities are narrowing, forcing fisherfolk to seek other sources of income. The community’s inadequate access to the ‘blue economy’ leads to inequitable distribution of benefits, increased poverty and vulnerability. It can also lead to overfishing. Limited sea access displaces communities and erodes cultural heritage. Resolving this issue is crucial for equitable and sustainable fishing practices. In India, fishing rights are regulated by laws. Still, the Gavan Koliwada case highlights the government’s misplaced priority in the development versus environment debate, with employment being compromised.