Boat operators welcomed the trawling nets with 25-mm square mesh cod-ends that were introduced on Monday by the Marine Products Export Development Authority’s extension wing, NETFISH, as part of the World Oceans Day observance here.
A team of scientists from the MPEDA convened an awareness programme for fishing boat operators at Munambam harbour on Monday. The square mesh cod-end was introduced to them and their views on the innovation were elicited. The fishing gear was developed initially by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology.
Chairman of the Fishing Boat Owners’ and Operators’ Coordination Committee P.P. Girish said the success of the innovation would depend on the steps taken to popularise it. Fishermen, boat owners and crew had to be made aware about the merits of the square mesh cod-end, he said, as he welcomed the efforts made by the scientists.
Vice president of the Kerala State Fishing Boat Owners’ and Operators’ Association K.K. Velayudhan said the innovation would help conserve resources as the conventional diamond-shaped mesh cod-ends trapped juveniles of fish, squids and cuttlefish.
He cited the example of the leatherjacket ( uduppoori ) variety of fish, the juveniles of which were caught in large quantities in the diamond-shaped cod-end nets. He said the leatherjacket was in great demand in the export market and commanded a price between Rs. 200 and 250 a kg.
NETFISH chief executive Joice V. Thomas announced the results of an experiment with the new net off the coast of Munambam on March 18 and 19. He said the innovation helped save diesel and reduced by-catch. Reduction in by-catch means that fishermen will have to spend less time in sorting the catch before sale.
Mr. Velayudhan said the use of the square-shaped cod-end should be made popular as well as compulsory. If it was strictly implemented, boat operators would easily switch to the innovation, he said.
Trawl net cod-ends were distributed to three boat operators during the function on Monday.