Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Aug 2: Fishing season has started in the district from August 1. Though mechanised boats are allowed to go for fishing, fishermen are not venturing into the sea. The scare of coronavirus pandemic and non-availability of labourers has put the fishing trade once again in trouble and uncertain future.

There are more than 1,700 mechanised boats operating from the Malpe fishing port. Thousands of people, including labourers from outstation districts and states, are dependent on this business for their livelihood.

Representational image

Once the fishing gets into full gear, export of fish to outstation states will begin. However, the fishermen are scared that the whole fishing port might be sealed if the fishermen or the labourers working in the industry get coronavirus infection. So the fishermen, who are already in financial distress, do not want to take more risk, according to the leaders of the fishing federation.

Krishna Suvarna, president of Malpe fishermen's association said, "We will shortly hold meeting with minister for fisheries, MLAs and DC with respect to starting of mechanised boat fishing. Leaders of various fishing federations will also discuss on this matter and take a final decision.

"Fishing industry is facing serious problems since the past two years. Boat owners are facing the uphill task of repaying the loans as they do not have the income now during the lockdown period. Industries that are dependent on fisheries are under loss. Most of the outstation labourers have gone back to their native places as there is no work here. This year the fishing industry has not worked properly at all," lamented Krishna Survarna.

He also expressed his helplessness and said that the fishermen are under confusion whether to venture into the sea though the season for mechanized fishing boats has already begun. He also said that they are not getting expected help from the government.