Fishing operations recommenced in the coastal waters of Ramanathapuram after a hiatus of seven days, marking the end of a break prompted by a cyclone warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Approximately 600 mechanized fishing boats ventured out to sea off Rameswaram, as reported by P Jesuraja, the president of the Ramanathapuram District All Mechanized Boats Fishermen Association.
N Devadoss, president of the Rameswaram Fishermen Cooperative Society, expressed cautious optimism as fishermen set sail for shrimp trawls and squid, particularly targeted for export.
Traditionally, the winter season from November sees robust shrimp fishing, with an average catch of 30 to 40 kilograms per boat. However, concerns arise as the season progresses, with a projected decline in shrimp catch rates post-January.
Devadoss also highlighted fishermen’s discontent with the reduced market price of ‘Flower’ shrimps, fetching Rs 400 per kilo against the actual price of Rs 600.
In the neighbouring Thoothukudi district, fishermen returned to the sea after a two-day hiatus, but concerns lingered over diminishing fish catches. M Tharmapichai, vice president of the Thoothukudi Mechanized Boat Fishermen Association, attributed the negative impact on fishing to Cyclone Michaung.
R Amal Xavier, the Regional Joint Director of Fisheries, reported that out of 262 mechanized boats, 184 ventured into the sea from the Thoothukudi fishing harbour. Meanwhile, in Kanniyakumari district, sources indicated that forty-nine mechanized boats, including four engaged in multi-day fishing, set out to sea off the Kanniyakumari coast.
Source: DTNEXT
