News

Margao: Goa State government has revamped its fish drying platform scheme in response to recent demonstrations by fish vendors and fishermen in Colva. Under the updated plan, traditional fish dryers will now incur a modest fee of Rs 1,000 per platform per year.

Previously, traditional fishermen grappled with a considerable surge in lease fees, facing an annual charge of Rs 3,000 for a 100 sqm platform at government facilities, a stark contrast to the previous Rs 100 per year rate.

In a pioneering move, the Agriculture Department has unveiled a solar fish dryer at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Margao. This initiative aims to facilitate sanitary fish drying for traditional fisherfolk and is accessible to the general public year-round for a nominal fee.

The solar fish dryer can adeptly dry up to 100 kg of fish within eight to ten hours, ensuring uniform drying and heightened hygiene standards. Fish dried using this method boast an extended shelf life compared to those dried in open, beachside locales. Agriculture Director Nevil Alphonso encouraged fisherfolk to make use of this facility, underscoring its minimal usage fee.

Traditionally, fisherwomen have dried fish in open spaces, on roadsides, and on beaches, where maintaining proper hygiene is challenging, and the risk of contamination from sand, dust, birds, animals, and intruders is substantial.

The solar dryer in Margao stands as a demonstration platform, providing hands-on training to fisherwomen and offering them a dedicated facility for drying fish. Developed by ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Cochin, this technology offers variable drying times ranging from 4-10 hours, contingent on moisture content and fish surface area. For mackerel fish, the drying process takes approximately 8-10 hours. These initiatives signify a significant leap forward in promoting hygiene and efficiency in fish drying practices in Goa.

Ramanathapuram: Local fishermen associations have declared their intention to stage a rail blockade at Mandapam Railway Station on November 4 in a bid to draw the attention of both Union and State governments. The announcement came after a meeting where various associations were represented, presided over by N. J. Bose, the president of the fishermen leaders’ association.

Key resolutions were passed during the meeting, primarily focusing on the release of 27 fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy since October 14. The fishermen are held with their five mechanized boats, and the association urges the Union government to take swift measures to ensure their safe return home.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing issue of over 100 impounded mechanized boats by the Sri Lankan Navy since 2018. The resolutions called for either compensation for the affected fishermen or the retrieval of the seized boats. The association emphasized the need for a strict deadline, urging both governments to take decisive action.

In consideration of livelihood concerns, the members have decided to resume fishing activities starting October 28 (Saturday). They expressed commitment to adhere to the regulations set by both the Union government and the Department of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu government.

The rail blockade on November 4 is seen as a concerted effort by the fishermen to amplify their demands and seek prompt resolutions from the authorities.

A recent study of 12 highly migratory fish predators, including sharks, tuna, and billfish, reveals that the majority will experience significant habitat losses and redistribution in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) by the year 2100. These regions, known for being among the fastest-warming ocean areas, are projected to see temperature increases of 1-6°C by the century’s end, indicative of climate-driven transformations in marine ecosystems.

Led by Camrin Braun, a marine ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the study identifies offshore areas near the Southeast U.S. and Mid-Atlantic coasts as potential hotspots for habitat loss among the studied species. The research focuses on three shark species, five tuna species, and four billfish species, with projections suggesting that climate-induced changes could lead to habitat losses of up to 70% by the end of the century.

Published in the journal Science Advances, the study emphasizes the immediate need for adaptive and proactive management of marine ecosystems to address the ongoing and projected impacts of climate change. The researchers used three decades of data, including satellite and oceanographic information, to develop dynamic species distribution models, providing insights into the current and future effects of climate change on these highly migratory species.

Rebecca Lewison, a study co-author and professor of biology, highlights the importance of using satellite data to understand the impact of a changing ocean on commercially significant marine species. The study emphasizes the necessity for marine conservation and management efforts to plan for these changes, especially as migratory fish alter their patterns.

Tobey Curtis, a fishery management specialist at NOAA Fisheries, emphasizes that adaptive management approaches are crucial to respond to the expected changes. The study’s results raise concerns about the potential socioeconomic impacts on fishing communities and fisheries, indicating the need for policies that are climate-resilient and adaptable to shifting marine ecosystems.

Source: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Anand Justin, a native of Thiruvananthapuram’s Valiyathura, has secured the 117th rank in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination 2022, as announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This historic milestone marks Justin as the inaugural individual from the state capital’s fishing community to ascend to the esteemed role of an IFS officer.

Justin’s journey to success was marked by resilience, as he faced setbacks during three unsuccessful attempts at the UPSC interview before triumphing on his seventh try. Expressing his perspective on this accomplishment, Justin stated, “More than an achievement, this is an opportunity to traverse a new path.” Undeterred by challenges, his unwavering determination serves as an inspiration and beacon of hope for aspiring individuals.

Beyond his personal achievement, Justin has been actively involved in contributing to the community by serving as a tutor at a private IAS coaching academy. His success not only symbolizes an individual accomplishment but also represents a broader narrative of breaking barriers and opening doors for others within the fishing community.

The long-awaited upgrade of the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour is poised to begin within the next three months. The Central government has granted ₹98 crore for the ambitious project, comprising 25 distinct works, with an estimated total cost of ₹127 crore. The Fishing Harbour Management Committee (FHMC) will cover the remaining expenses.

The extensive upgrade plan, scheduled to conclude by June 2025, is divided into six packages, with the first package expected to commence in January. The Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, one of Tamil Nadu’s key fishing hubs and a major export-oriented fish processing site, spans 96 acres and serves approximately 750 mechanized boats from villages in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu.

The modernization initiative aims to elevate the fishing harbor to international standards. Key components of the project include the construction of additional fish landing wharves, a mechanized fish-handling complex, a ship-lift boat repair facility, a cleaning, packaging, and cold storage area, a sanitary complex, and improvements to essential amenities like drinking water supply and waste management.

Stakeholders in the fishing industry express optimism about the project’s potential impact. Nanjil Ravi, a local business owner, emphasized the need for facilities such as boat repair services, spare parts shops, and enhanced fish processing areas to elevate the quality of fish landing. The upgrade is anticipated to streamline export processes, addressing current limitations that often necessitate sending fish to Kerala for subsequent export.

M.D. Dayalan, a leader within the fishing community, welcomed the initiative while also highlighting the importance of establishing a dedicated bank for fishermen or an improved loan system. He noted that such financial support would empower more fishing boats to embark on voyages, ultimately contributing to increased yields of export-quality fish. Presently, only around 60% of fishing boats depart from the harbor for fishing expeditions.

Source: The Hindu

In a remote cave chamber in northeastern India, scientists have stumbled upon a startling find—a cave fish unlike any other known species. This discovery, detailed in the journal Cave and Karst Science, challenges our understanding of subterranean life and offers a rare glimpse into the rapid evolution of these enigmatic creatures.

Biologist Daniel Harries, part of an expedition led by professional cave explorer Thomas Arbenz in Meghalaya state, was taken aback when he encountered a fish nearly a foot and a half in length—ten times larger than previously known subterranean fish. The species, found in the Um Ladaw Cave over 300 feet below the surface, is teeming with dozens of these unusually large fish.

Harries, a marine biologist at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, described the moment of discovery, saying, “My first reaction upon seeing the fish myself was, I’m going to need a bigger net.” The fish, possibly on the path to becoming a distinct species, has raised intriguing questions about its adaptation to the cave environment.

The team, collaborating with Indian scientists Neelesh Dahanukar and Rajeev Raghavan, is delving into the genetics of the fish to confirm if it is indeed a new species. On a return visit in January 2020, the researchers collected live specimens and fin samples for lab analysis.

The mystery deepens as scientists ponder how these fish, living in perpetual darkness and with limited food sources, manage to reach such substantial sizes. Their feeding habits remain elusive, although it’s speculated that they consume vegetation washed into the cave by rain during the winter dry season. The challenge lies in understanding this unique ecosystem as access becomes impossible during the monsoons when the entire area is submerged.

Harries emphasizes the need to protect these cave environments, which are under threat globally from activities like cement production, coal mining, and water pollution. The fragile ecosystems could face extinction risks before being fully documented, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

Evolution, once thought to be a slow and irreversible process, takes centre stage in this discovery. “Studies of these systems seem to indicate that very different animal forms might be able to evolve relatively rapidly,” notes Harries, emphasizing the dynamic nature of evolution in subterranean habitats.

This unexpected find opens new doors for scientific exploration, providing a unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of evolution in the depths of Earth’s caves.

Source: National Geographic

Oceans, known for their rich soundscapes created by natural phenomena, are increasingly impacted by human-generated noise, posing serious threats to marine life. The ability of animals to produce and detect sound is vital for communication, feeding, predator avoidance, and navigation in underwater habitats. Human activities such as shipping, infrastructure development, and industrial operations contribute unintentional noise, while deliberate actions like naval sonar and seismic airguns add to the acoustic disturbance.

he consequences of this noise pollution are far-reaching, with evidence suggesting permanent hearing loss, tissue damage, and even death in marine animals exposed to the intense sounds produced by seismic airguns. Seismic surveys have been linked to mass mortalities of squid and zooplankton, highlighting the lethal impact of human-generated noise in the open ocean.

Chronic noise exposure has also been found to affect animal behaviour and physiology. Laboratory studies on sea hares, a marine slug, revealed a 21% reduction in successful embryo development and a 22% higher death rate when exposed to boat noise. The negative effects observed in controlled environments raise concerns about potential threats to entire populations in natural settings.

Marine mammals, relying on sound for communication, foraging, and navigation, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. Shipping noise, overlapping with the vocal frequencies of large mammals like blue whales, has led to altered vocalization patterns and increased physiological stress. Changes in vocal behaviour, feeding patterns, and increased stress have been observed in response to shipping noise.

Efforts to mitigate noise pollution include technological developments in ship design, such as reduced propeller cavitation, and adjustments in ship speed. Studies suggest that even a modest reduction in the average speed of commercial ships can significantly lower underwater noise pollution. While technological solutions exist, there is a need for global awareness and more rigorous policies to manage and reduce noise pollution in oceans, ensuring a quieter and healthier future for marine life.

Source: Graeme Shannon, Bangor University

The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union has raised concerns and demands regarding the impact of the ongoing 37th National Games on local fishermen, primarily operating on Vainguinim beach. The fishermen, faced with a ban on fishing activities from October 23 to November 9, 2023, due to the event, are seeking compensation for the income they are losing during this period.

After a meeting with the Director of Fisheries, the Union members expressed their discontent, stating that while they agree to the fishing ban in view of the National Games, they demand compensation for the families affected by the loss of livelihood. The fishermen also called for the relocation of their canoes during the event and compensation for the income they would lose due to the imposed fishing restrictions.

One Union member questioned the benefit of organizing big events like the National Games if they result in the destruction of the livelihoods of Goan fishermen. The lack of assurance from the Director of Fisheries regarding compensation has fuelled the concerns of the fishing community.

The fishermen highlighted the sudden availability of boats for the event, raising questions about the authorities’ responsiveness to their regular requests for boats. Additionally, they pointed out the imposition of Section 144 CrPC by the District Collector, restricting the movement of more than four persons in a group. The fishermen questioned the apparent violation of prohibitory orders by players and organizers during the National Games.

Earlier, the Union had urgently communicated their concerns to the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, and other relevant authorities. The fishermen had sought a safe site for the relocation of their fishing canoes during the specified event period, emphasizing the need for compensation to offset the financial impact of the fishing restrictions.

Source: Herald Goa