Rupsa: After a gap of two months, the Balaramgadi jetty, on the confluence of Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers in Balasore district, is now abuzz with a lot of activities by fishermen who are preparing their boats and trawlers to venture into the sea for fishing. Fishing ban in the sea had been imposed for two months from April 15 to June 14.
For two months, thousands of fishermen, traders, drivers, helpers, workers of ice factories had lost their livelihood due to the ban.
They are now on their toes, readying their idle trawlers, boats, at the jetty. Boats are being repaired and painted, while fishing nets are being mended. Owners of ice factories are in a hurry to set things right for preservation of fish.
Akhaya Kumar Nayak, a local, said for the last two months they had virtually given up eating marine fish which were missing in the local markets.
Boat owner Bibek Das said, “Our trade was closed for the last two months. During this period, all works like painting, repairing of boats, mending of nets and maintenance of engines were finished. If we have good catches in a week, then only we can compensate our losses.”
Assistant fishery officer Alok Kumar Dasmohapatra said, “The fishing ban is effective till 12 pm June 14. Thereafter, fishermen can resume fishing.”
PNN