Prawn to pomfret: Fishing activity resumes in Andhra as ban ends

However, only 50 percent of the mechanized boats and trawlers ventured out to catch the popular varieties owing to a shortage of labor, logistics, and financial issues. In Vizag district alone, over 700 mechanized boats and fishing trawlers are engaged in deep fishing.

Around 200 mechanized boats ventured out to catch the fish and prawn on Wednesday and over 150 boats to venture on Thursday aiming to catch the export quality of prawn and fish in the first voyage.

"Initially, we decided to postpone the fishing activity till June 30. But, some boat operators are reluctant to postpone. Hence we decided to resume the new fishing season from June 16. The fishermen community sought the blessing of the goddess of water by participating in the annual Gangamma Jatara festival in Vizag city on June 15 before resuming the fishing activity," said President of Dolphin Boat Operators' Welfare Association Ch Satyanarayana Murthy.

Due to the shortage of ice, crew, and financial problems, the remaining mechanized boat owners will resume the new fishing activity after two weeks. Each boat owner need to spend at least Rs 3 to 4 lakh (diesel, ice, groceries and a few others) for a 10 to 15 days voyage, he added.

On the other hand, the seafood lovers in Vizag city hoped to relish the popular variety of fish and prawn again. Due to the annual fishing ban, the seafood lovers were unable to relish Silver Pomfret, Seer fish, and Tiger Prawn.

Fish and prawns from Vizag harbor are exported to various parts of the country and abroad. The boat operators fear that lockdown may hit their business in the country