Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor (SP)

Byndoor, Mar 9: For the last couple of months, famine has hit the fishing port at Gangolli. The fishermen are hard hit by the fish famine that has come as a bolt from the blue.

Boats which go for fishing are returning empty handed. This should have been the peak of the season with good catches but this time the fishermen have hit hard times. As fish catches are miserably low, many fishing and purse seine boats have been moored at the port. Fishing workers, women etc are not getting any work or income and their lives have become miserable.

Rising costs of operation are met with very low catches. Exorbitant diesel costs have also added to the problems of the fishermen. As fishing trips are resulting in more losses, the boats are anchored at the port, fishermen say. The fishermen leaders have requested the government to come to their rescue. Similar is the condition at the Bhatkal port, where because of woefully low catches, boats are not venturing out.

Non-receipt of diesel subsidy from the government for months has added to their woes. The fishermen are worried about their traditional vocation and how to manage this bleak situation.