News
Kalpitiya Fishermen net sharks in off season
View(s):Some fishermen in the Kalpitiya area who braved adverse weather and continued with their profession, despite experiencing high seas, have made economic gains by catching large sharks, some of them weighing between 150 to 200 kilos.
The fish were caught in the Thalawila area.
In the off season, due to the high waves, only a limited number of fishermen engage in fishing, and therefore only a limited number of fishermen have made economic gains.
Some of them weighed between 150 to 200 kilos
Fisherman Nilanka Tissera said that usually during this season they move on to other areas or find other alternative jobs.
But due to the economic difficulties they face some continue fishing despite the risks, he said.
He said, however, if the government helps fishermen to purchase 40 horsepower engines, the fishermen could even go to the sea during the high seas and thereby keep the fish prices low during this period.
Last week around 7-8 large sharks had been caught.
A kilo of shark fins sells at Rs 20,000. The fins are used for fin soup, a delicacy in some countries and used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The fishermen claimed they could get a higher profit, but as businessmen involved in the trade get involved the earnings are reduced.
Fisheries Department Assistant Director Sarath Chandranayaka said that the Department is unable to provide engines for the boats, but was trying to introduce new technology to them.
He said that they are not in a position to make purchases from the fishermen as large harvests are not regular.
Pix and text by Padma Kumari Kankanamge.
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