Red Alert on Mangaluru coast delays deep sea fishing plans

Mangaluru: As the coastal region battles against strong winds and heavy rainfall, a “Red Alert” has been intermittently announced on the coast, causing concerns for the upcoming deep sea fishing season scheduled to start on August 1.

Fishermen in the area, estimating the weather conditions, believe it may not be suitable to launch boats until July 28. The Department of Fisheries has also restricted parrotfish in light of the extreme weather.

Adding to the challenges, a significant portion of the fishing workforce hails from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Many of these workers should have already arrived in Mangaluru to commence preparations, but in the face of the ongoing red alert, local fishermen have collectively decided to postpone their arrival until July 28.

Speaking to “Udayavani” Mohan Bengre, a prominent fisherman leader, expressed his concerns, “Due to the current extreme weather conditions, it is difficult to immediately begin fishing. There will be a Samudra Puja on August 4. If the weather permits, some workers will be brought on Aug 1.”

Despite the anxiety caused by the adverse weather, fishermen are making diligent efforts to prepare for the deep sea fishing season after a two-month break. The fishing docks are buzzing with activity as the final stages of boat, engine, and net preparation are underway. Additionally, ice plants are ready for full-scale operation to support the expected harvest of sea bass.

As per the regulations, fishing is banned from June 1 to July 31st. After that, mechanical fishing will be allowed. However, due to the current bad weather conditions, the actual commencement of fishing may be delayed. The Fisheries Department will grant permission once the weather stabilizes and safety is ensured through thorough verification, said Harish Kumar, Joint Director, Fisheries Department DK.

The inclement weather has also affected barge fishing during the rainy season, leading to unprofitable outcomes for the fishermen. Despite the demand for fish, the market availability has been limited, causing prices to surge. As an alternative, “ice-packed” fish from other states are being supplied to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, leaving coastal fish enthusiasts concerned about the freshness of the catch.

In the meantime, the fishing community remains hopeful that the weather will improve, allowing them to kickstart the deep sea fishing season successfully.