After fishing ban, fishermen net shrimp in large quantity

The fishing ban period is implemented by the central government in association with the states and the ban period for the eastern coast started on April 14 and ended on June 14.

The fishing ban is implemented to increase breeding and boost marine life. After the end of the ban, fishermen usually have great hopes on a good catch, though last year they were disappointed. However, this year the fishermen who went to fish during the wee hours of Friday returned on Saturday morning with a good catch.

The fishermen were happy at the quantity of shrimp netted among other catch. Vijay, a fisherman from Thangachimadam near Rameswaram, said that usually for the first two days after the fishing ban there will be good availability of shrimps in the Palk Strait area.

The fishing boats go from Gulf of Mannar in the southern sea to Palk Strait in the northern sea via the Pamban bridge.

This year, there was good catch available and on average more than 200 kg of shrimps were netted by every boat. While smaller boats obviously got lesser quantity of shrimps, mechanised boats got a good catch, said Vijay.

Dharmarajan, another fisherman, said the shrimps caught are larger in size and are of export quality. Last year, due to lesser availability of shrimps, they were sold at Rs 700 to Rs 750 per kg, but this year, the shrimps are sold at Rs 500 per kg. Along with shrimps, squids and crabs were also caught and they too fetched good price.

The first day of the season was highly satisfactory for the fishermen and they hope the trend would continue, said Dharmarajan.