Mangaluru: After a ban of two months, mechanized fishing begins once again on August 1st in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod districts.

More than 1,2oo trawler boats in DK district are preparing to venture out into the sea for fishing. There are 850 deep sea trawlers and 350 wooden boats in the district. Most of the deep sea trawler are expected to venture out into the sea on Aug 1st while the remaining trawlers and up to 90% of the purse seining boats in Mangaluru shall enter into the sea after religious ceremonies. Wooden boats will get into the water only after there is a proper weather condition.

Preparations for mechanized fishing is being conducted in Udupi district too and the boats at Malpe are expected to enter the sea after Aug 6th. There are more than 2,000 trawler boats at Malpe bunder. Around 1,000 deep sea trawlers, 500 370 boats, 45 purse seining boats and 250 small trawlers function from here.

Last time, mechanized fishing was not up to the expectation. This time, country boat fishing done during the monsoon season has also been affected adversely. This time, the fishermen ae venturing out into the sea with the hope of good income yet, there is still a fear lying in the background – Satish Kunder, President, Malpe Fishermens Association