News in Frames: Ban season, but the catch holds

Photo: KR Deepak

Waiting for the tides: As small-scale fishermen continue to rely on nearshore waters during the ban, traditional catamarans line the shores of the Bay of Bengal and venture out in the absence of trawlers.

Photo: N. Rajesh

Short catch: During the 61-day annual ban, fish prices increased as local boats’ limited catch of fish near shore struggled to meet demand after pumped vessels withdrew from the waters.

Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Shallow prospects: Off the Kasimedu fishing port in Chennai, small boat fishermen continue to fish in shallow waters and eke out a living despite restrictions on larger fishing boats.

Photo: KR Deepak

Waiting for the tides: As small-scale fishermen continue to rely on nearshore waters during the ban, traditional catamarans line the shores of the Bay of Bengal and venture out in the absence of trawlers.

Photo: KR DEEPAK

Idle fleet: Mechanized boats idle along the shore at Jalaripeta Fishing Colony

Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

At anchor: Rows of mechanized boats remain anchored at Kasimedu port in Chennai, signifying a pause in deep-sea fishing activities.

Photo: L. Balachandar

Repair time: Fishermen in Pamban carry out repair work on their mechanized boats.

Photo: KR Deepak

Rare haul: An unusually large tuna caught by catamaran fishermen is being kept underwater at the harbor jetty in Visakhapatnam ahead of auction. Due to high demand, the price of fish per piece varies between ₹ 15,000–₹ 20,000.

Photo: N. Rajesh

Increasing rates: Sharp price increases are experienced in fish markets during the ban period, as the supply is limited to small-scale catches.

Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Small break: While fishermen use the break for maintenance and improvement, technicians at Kasimedu carry out repairs and maintenance of mechanized boats.