Udupi: Harbour Wears Deserted Look as Fishing Activity Comes to a Halt
 
Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (PS)
 
Udupi, Jun 17: It is that time of the year when the usually busy port comes to a standstill. Fishing boats have been lined up in harbours in the district and the work of repairing the fishing nets has also been initiated. The harbour also has got a new look with colourful flags being hoisted on the boats. A few boats have been already anchored, while a few others are vying to get space in the congested harbour. Some boats are in need of trivial repair work. This is the current state of affairs that one can witness along the coastal region.

Though the fishing catch decreased this year as compared to last year, income was relatively high, due to the increase in the price of fish. Last year, there was 1,15,803 lac metric tonnes of fish production with Rs 4.71 crore as business turnover. This year, it increased to Rs 5.44 crore and the total production was 1,17,795 lac metric tonnes.
 
There are 1,235 mechanized boats in the district engaged in fishing, 3.263 trawl boats and 1,327 non-mechanized boats. Mackerel and sardines were found in good numbers this year. Among the 1,19,952 fishermen, 45,551 were engaged in fishing activity.
 
The fishing moratorium will be in place to allow for fish breeding. During this time, mechanized boats are prohibited from venturing into the deep sea for fishing. However, boats with 9.9 horse power (hp) are allowed. It is to be noted that if fishing is continued even during breeding time, there will be a decrease in production in the coming year. As monsoon has set, even the sea will be rough and hence not conducible for fishing.
 
In the current year, there were 24 mishaps in all in which 13 fishermen lost their lives and 11 mechanized boats were damaged resulting in losses amounting to crores of rupees.