Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 4: Deep-sea fishing activities resumed in Mangaluru on Monday, the third day after the annual fishing ban was lifted, with around 100 trawl boats setting out from the old Mangaluru fishing harbour with fresh hopes for a productive season.

The boats had remained anchored at the harbour for the past two days due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. Although they had been fully prepared with diesel and ice supplies, adverse weather had prevented them from venturing into the sea.

With weather conditions showing signs of improvement, the trawl boats began leaving one after another through the estuary towards the deep sea.

Fishermen said the boats, which have set out with hopes of a good fishing season, are expected to return to the harbour after about 10 days. They added that the movement of more boats will depend on the availability of fish resources in the deep sea.

In contrast, no category of fishing boats ventured into the sea from Malpe harbour despite the government lifting the ban on mechanised fishing from August 1, as the sea continues to remain rough.

Fishermen said strong winds have generated huge waves in the deep sea, making it impossible to cast fishing nets.