Silvester Dsouza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (RJP)

Kundapur, Oct 14: The fishermen in Gangolli have objected to the cuttlefish fishing by outsiders in and around Gangolli.

The cuttlefish is popularly known as Kappe Bondas in the twin coastal districts.

Some years back there was a huge protest over the fishing of cuttlefish by outsiders in Malpe. After the protest, the problem stopped. Now the fishermen from Malpe area with Tamilnadu registration boats have started coming to the Gangolli port for fishing. Even some local businessmen are supporting them. Why in Gangolli if Malpe has stopped allowing them to fish there? -These are few of the complaints from the local fishermen.

“And there are strict orders that outside state boats are not allowed to fish here. Authorities are not taking any action. Fishing by outsiders in the area does not help the local industry by any means. Excess supply pushes down the prices. There is a shortage of ice because outsiders buy them with no ice left for locals. This will affect the quality of fish. If such thing continues the traditional fishing industry will collapse.” says one of the fishermen.

“Though few outside boats were seen earlier coming to Gangolli, the number of boats has gone up like anything, because of inaction from authorities. There is no enough parking for local boats. There are bans everywhere except Gangolli, so they are coming here without any fear. Some people are saying as we are allowed to go outside, we should not object to people coming here. But no ways it will help us.” adds another fisherman.

The demand now is that the cuttlefish catching by outsiders should be completely banned in Gangolli.

The fishermen warn that they will go for massive protest if the fishing of cuttlefish by outsiders continues. Nobody as yet knows how and when the problem will end.