Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 22: Nearly 25 per cent of trawlers at Cutbona Jetty remain anchored as the post-monsoon fishing season begins in Goa, with a shortage of crew members affecting operations.

Several migrant workers have reportedly failed to return for the season after being offered better earnings and working conditions by boat owners in neighbouring states.

A meeting of boat owners’ associations and labour representatives is scheduled on Tuesday to discuss changes to existing labour agreements, compensation models and other issues linked to the shortage.

Earlier, boat owners had travelled to Odisha and Jharkhand to recruit workers as they struggled to find adequate crew for their vessels. However, several owners returned without workers after some of those recruited were allegedly offered better terms by boat owners in other states before they could reach Goa.

According to boat owners, the percentage-based payment system followed in Karnataka is one of the factors attracting workers. Under the system, crew members earn more when the catch is higher.

“Boat owners in Karnataka offer a percentage system—the more fish you catch, the more you earn. Here, we traditionally pay fixed monthly salaries. When catches are good, the percentage model is far more lucrative for workers,” D’Silva said.

He also pointed to differences in working conditions at neighbouring harbours. While some ports in Karnataka have dedicated shore teams for loading and unloading, boat crews in Goa are often required to handle the additional labour themselves.

In Goa, monthly earnings vary according to the vessel and the worker’s role. Crew members generally earn between Rs 14,000 and Rs 20,000 per month, while experienced workers on successful vessels can reportedly earn Rs 25,000 or more.

Boat owners said better incentives and working conditions offered in neighbouring states were contributing to the crew shortage in Goa. As a result, only around 75 to 80 per cent of the local fishing fleet is currently operating with reduced crews.

Goa Boat Owners Association, Vasco, chairperson Jose Felipe Dsouza said the shortage had significantly affected fleet operations.

“Those who own seven boats are only running three; those with four are running just two. Across centres like Vasco and Panaji, not even 80% of the fleet is operational,” Dsouza said.

He added that the Fisheries Secretary had called boat owners for a meeting at the Secretariat to discuss the labour shortage and related concerns.