Several mechanised fishing boats that ventured into the Bay of Bengal from the Gilakaladindi harbour in the past 48 hours have returned due to the formation of longshore or littoral drift.
The drift, characterised by transportation of sediments along the coast at an angle to the shoreline, has been posing a challenge to fishing boats. Since the weather conditions proved viable for fishing, dozens of boat operators ventured into the sea but failed to tackle the littoral drift. Said Fisheries Department Assistant Director T. Kalyanam: “Several boats, owing to unfavourable conditions and low sea water level, returned on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, nearly 40 boats successfully crossed the mouth point where water level is high.”
Some boats operating from the Gilakaladindi harbour have resumed fishing, he said, adding that they will have to wait until sufficient water level is available at the entrance point. According to boat operators, waiting at the sea entrance point could lead to wreckage of boats, and hence, boats have to be anchored at the harbour. The recent changes in weather are also resulting in sand getting deposited due to formation of littoral drift.
