Colva: Traditional fishermen along the Salcete coast are enjoying a bumper start to the short-lived solar shrimp season, with Monday yielding the biggest catch so far and boosting activity along the shoreline and local markets.The prized monsoon delicacy appears only during July and Aug, making the brief season crucial for traditional fishing communities. It also provides an important source of income before the annual fishing ban ends on July 31, when mechanised fishing vessels return to sea. Under existing rules, canoes fitted with engines of up to 10BHP are allowed to operate during the ban, subject to safe sea conditions.“This is just the beginning,” said fisherman Jose Silva, who landed one of the larger catches on Monday. “In the coming days, many more fishermen will head out to try their luck at harvesting solar shrimp.”Fishermen said they are racing against time, as mechanised trawlers typically account for a large share of the shrimp catch once they resume operations. “We must make the most of this opportunity,” one fisherman said.The season has also brought renewed activity along the coast, with fishermen preparing canoes, repairing nets and carrying out safety checks before venturing into rough monsoon seas.For many, tradition and faith remain inseparable from fishing. Caitan Fernandes said he invited a priest to bless his canoe and pray for the crew before heading out. “The sea has been rough for the past few days, but I’ve decided to take my chance before more canoe owners head out. It’s a race against time and tide,” he said.
