Fishing industry suffers as turbulent weather delays start of season along Karavali coast

Malpe: Bad weather has played spoilsport for fishermen who were eager for the beginning of the fishing season after a two-month-long Monsoon hiatus. Due to the strong winds and rough seas, mechanized boats are still moored at the port, dashing the hopes of a bountiful catch.

The delay in fishing activity not only hit boat owners and workers but also the ancillary activities such as ice plants, transportation, and fish vendors among others.

A total of 1,400 boats in Mangluru and around 2,166 boats in Malpe and Gangolli are still docked at the ports awaiting favorable weather conditions.

A few boats that ventured early into the sea from Mangaluru returned empty-handed as they were unable to fish in the turbulent seas.

However, there seems to be no respite as more rains and strong winds are expected in the near future. Ganesh K, the Joint Director of the Fisheries Department said that as per the latest weather report the rains with strong winds are expected to continue Till August 9. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the seas, he added.

Meanwhile, the fishermen hoping for the weather improves soon. Fishermen at Mangaluru and Malpe are organizing a special Samudra Puja on August 11 and 12 respectively seeking divine intervention to calm the raging seas and for a good fish catch.